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THE 
HISTORY 

OF   THE 

TOWN   OF  FLATBUSH, 

IN 

KINGS    COUNTY,  LONG-ISLAND, 

BY  THOMAS  M.  STRONG,  D.  D., 

PASTOR  OF  THE  REFORMED  DUTCH  CHURCH,  OF  FLATBUSH. 


PUBLISHED    BY    REaUEST. 


N  E  W  -  Y  O  R  K  : 

THOxMAS  R.  MERCEIN,  JR.,  PRINTER, 
240  Pearl  street,  cor.  Burling-slip. 

1842. 


V 


PREFACE, 


This  History  was  prepared  as  a  part  of  a  course  of 
Lectures  by  the  "Flatbush  Literary  Association," 
during  the  winter  of  1841-2.  In  yielding  to  the  request 
which  has  been  made  to  him  from  several  sources  to  have 
it  published,  the  author  would  remark,  that  he  has  made 
some  additions  and  corrections  in  it  since  it  was  delivered. 
His  object  has  been  to  make  it  as  copious  and  authentic  as 
practicable.  He  has  aimed  more  at  fulness  and  accuracy 
of  detail  than  at  ornament  or  display  of  composition.  The 
great  difficulty  in  accomplishing  a  work  of  this  nature, 
arises  from  the  fact,  that  the  early  history  of  the  town  is 
wrapped  up  in  manuscripts  written  in  the  Dutch  language, 
and  many  of  them  too  in  a  very  small  and  cramped  cha- 
racter. These  but  few  can  decipher  and  translate.  The 
author  has  happily  been  favored  with  the  assistance  of 
two  gentlemen  of  Flatbush,  who  have  aided  him  very 
materially  in  this  particular.  Several  papers  of  impor- 
tance relating  to  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  history  of 
the  Town,  have  been  translated  by  them  for  the  purpose 
of  furthering  this  work.  To  these  gentlemen,  John  C. 
Vanderveer  and  Jeremiah  Lott,  Esq's.,  the  author  would 


return  his  grateful  acknowledgments.  The  latter  gentle- 
man, in  addition  to  several  translations  and  other  docu- 
ments, has  also  kindly  furnished  the  draft  of  the  map  which 
accompanies  the  volume.  Assistance  has  also  been  derived 
from  "  Smith's  History  of  New- York,"  "  Thompson's 
History  of  Long-Island,"  and  "  Furman's  Notes,  &c.,"of 
the  Town  of  Brooklyn."  Besides  these  sources  of  informa- 
ation,  GeneralJeremiah  Johnson,  of  Brooklyn,  and  several 
elderly  persons  living  in  the  village  of  Flatbush,  have 
been  consulted.  From  these  individuals  important  facts 
relative  to  the  scenes  which  took  place  during  the  re- 
volutionary war  and  the  times  immediately  preceding 
and  following  that  great  event,  have  been  obtained.  The 
plan  of  the  work  now  presented  to  the  public,  embraces 
five  divisions :  The  Civil — the  Ecclesiastical — the  Literary 
History  of  the  Town — the  incidents  which  transpired 
therein  during  the  war,  which  resulted  in  our  American 
Independence,  and  a  description  of  some  of  the  changes 
or  improvements  which  have  been  introduced  in  more 
modern  times.  The  author  is  conscious  that  in  regard  to 
the  earlier  history  of  Flatbush,  there  is  much  that  is  de- 
fective— arising  from  the  want  of  sufficient  sources  of  in- 
formation. These  will  not  probably  be  fully  supplied 
until  the  return  and  publication  of  the  report  of  Romeyn 
Brodhead,  Esq.,  who  is  now  in  Holland  as  a  Commission- 
er from  the  State  of  New-York,  to  collect  information 
relative  to  the  settlement  and  early  History  of  this 
State.     He  has  already  obtained  possession  of  a  great 


amount  of  valuable  facts,  which  will  throw  much  light 
upon  both  the  early  civil  and  ecclesiastical  affairs,  not 
only  of  the  Dynasty  of  New-Netherlands  generally — but 
particularly  of  the  west  end  of  Long-Island.  When  this 
work  shall  appear,  it  will  supply  all  that  is  defective  in 
the  present  volume,  as  far  as  relates  to  the  early  history 
of  the  town.  In  the  mean  time,  trusting  to  the  candor  and 
generosity  of  the  public  to  receive  with  favor,  an  attempt 
to  regain  and  preserve  the  facts  connected  with  the 
history  of  one  of  the  oldest  towns  in  the  state,  consent  has 
been  given  to  the  publication  of  this  work. 

Flatbush,  L.  I.,  April  4.  1842. 


HISTORY. 


Long-Island  was  discovered  in  the  year  1609,  by- 
Henry  Hudson.  He  was  an  Englishman  by  birth,  but 
was  engaged  by  the  East  India  Company  of  Holland  to 
discover  a  passage  to  the  East  Indies  in  a  westerly  direc- 
tion from  Europe.  He  had  been  employed  in  the  same 
service  by  the  English,  and  had  failed  in  his  enterprise, 
and  been  dismissed  from  their  employ.  Upon  which  he  was 
engaged  by  the  Dutch,  and  fitted  out  with  a  vessel  called 
the  Half  Moon.  After  coasting  in  his  third  voyage  as  far 
south  as  Virginia,  he  turned  to  the  north  again  and  saw 
for  the  first  time  the  highlands  of  Neversink.  On  the  3d 
of  September  1609,  he  entered  the  great  bay  between 
Sandy  Hook,  Staten-Island  and  Amboy.  He  observed 
among  other  things,  that  the  waters  swarmed  with  fish 
and  some  of  very  large  size.  On  the  4th5  he  sent  his 
men  on  shore,  and  relates  that  he  found  the  soil  of  white 
sand  and  a  vast  number  of  plum  trees  loaded  with  fruit, 
and  many  of  them  covered  with  grape  vines  of  different 
kinds.  The  natives  are  represented  in  general  as  mani- 
festing all  friendship,  when  Hudson  first  landed  among 
them.  But  on  one  occasion  shortly  after  his  arrival,  their 
bad  feelings  were  from  some  cause  not  stated,  excited. 
Hudson  sent  out  a  boat  under  command  of  one  Colman 
to  catch  fish,  and  the  Indians  attacked  the  men.  One  of 
the  arrows  which  they  discharged,  headed  with  a  sharp 


8 

flint  stone,  struck  Colman  in  the  throat  and  mortally 
wounded  him.  The  sailors  not  being  able  to  defend 
themselves,  hastened  back  to  the  ship,  carrying  poor. 
Colman  dying  with  them.  His  body  was  taken  on 
shore  after  his  death  and  buried  on  the  island  which 
is  now  called  Coney  Island — a  corruption  of  the  ori- 
ginal name  Colman,  which  was  given  it  by  Hudson 
and  his  company,  in  commemoration  of  him  who  was 
buried  there,  and  who  was  the  commander  of  the 
boat  which  bore  the  first  Europeans  through  the  passage 
so  familiarly  known  to  us  all  as  the  Narroios.  De  Laet, 
a  Dutch  historian,  says,  that  at  this  time  the  natives  were 
clothed  in  the  skins  of  elks,  foxes  and  other  animals. 
Their  canoes  were  made  of  the  bodies  of  trees ;  their 
arms,  bows  and  arrows  with  sharp  points  of  stone  fixed 
to  them.  They  had  no  houses,  he  says,  but  slept  under 
the  blue  heavens :  some  on  mats  made  of  brush  or  bul- 
rushes, and  some  upon  leaves  of  trees.  Hudson  passed  up 
the  river  which  still  bears  his  name,  and  left  it  to  others 
to  discover  that  the  land  on  which  he  had  touched,  was 
an  island.  This  was  done  by  Adrian  Block,  in  1614.  He 
sailed  from  New-Amsterdam,  now  New-York,  through  the 
sound  to  Cape  Cod,  and  visited  the  intermediate  coasts  and 
islands.  He  appears  to  have  been  the  first  who  ascertain- 
ed that  Long-Island  was  separate  from  the  main  land. 
Long-Island  at  this  time,  bore  the  name  of  Matiouicake,  or 
Meitowak  and  Sewanhackey — the  last  of  which,  means  the 
isle  or  land  of  shells,  and  was  no  doubt  given  to  it  in  con- 
sequence of  large  quantities  of  seewant  or  shell  money, 
being  manufactured  here. 

The  objects  of  the  Dutch  being  at  first  chiefly  of  a 
mercantile  character,  but  few  settlements  were  made  in 
the  country  by  them.     The  first  was  established  on  an  is- 


land  near  the  present  site  of  Albany,  in  the  year  1614, 
where  they  built  a  fort,  which  in  honor  of  their  sovereign, 
they  called  Fort  Orange.  It  was  not  however,  till  the 
year  1624,  that  any  settlement  was  made  on  Manhattan 
Island.  In  that  year  Fort  Amsterdam  was  built  and  the 
foundation  laid  for  the  city  of  New-Amsterdam,  now  New- 
York.  The  resources  of  the  country  and  the  prospect  of 
a  "very  lucrative  trade  with  the  natives  in  fur  being  made 
known  in  Holland,  soon  induced  many  to  emigrate  to  this 
new  country.  The  object  of  the  first  settlers  evidently 
was  trade.  But  as  it  soon  became  known  that  lands  equal 
in  fertility  to  those  of  Holland  were  to  be  found  here,  and 
advantages  of  no  ordinary  character  were  offered  to  the 
agriculturist,  many  familes  were  induced  to  leave  their 
father  land  and  settle  in  this  country.  The  first  settle- 
ment on  the  west  end  of  Long-Island,  appears  to  have 
been  made  as  early  as  1625,  in  which  year,  according  to 
a  family  record  in  the  hands  of  General  Johnson  of  Brook- 
lyn, the  first  child  of  George  Jansen  De  Rapalje,  was 
born  at  the  Wallaboght — and  it  is  the  tradition  among  the 
Dutch,  that  this  was  the  first  white  child  that  was  born  on 
the  island.  It  is  however  not  probable,  that  many  emi- 
grants had  yet  arrived  from  Holland  with  the  object  of 
cultivating  the  soil,  as  the  earliest  deed  for  land  in  the 
town  of  Brooklyn,  is  a  grant  to  Abraham  Rycken,  in  1638, 
and  the  earliest  deed  on  record,  is  a  grant  to  Thomas  Bes- 
ker,  in  the  year  1639  ;  and  the  earliest  grant  for  lands  in 
Kings  County  that  has  been  discovered,  was  in  1636.  The 
first  purchase  from  the  Indians  on  Long-Island  that  has  been 
discovered,  was  in  the  year  1635  ;  and  the  earliest  deed 
for  land  to  individuals,  was  from  these  Indians  to  Jacobus 
Van  Corlear,  for  the  tract  subsequently  called  Corlear's 
Flats,     The  description  of  this  tract  in  the  deed,  is  a3 


10 

follows : — "  The  middlemost  of  the  three  flats  to  them 
belonging,  called  Castoleeuw,  on  the  island  by  them  call- 
ed Sewanhackey,  between  the  bay  of  the  North-river  and 
East-river  of  the  New-Netherlands,  extending  in  length 
from  a  certain  kill  coming  up  from  the  sea,  mostly  north- 
erly till  into  the  woods,  and  a  breadth  of  a  certain  valeye 
eastward  also  to  the  woods."  About  the  same  time, 
a  deed  was  given  by  the  same  Indians,  to  Andries 
Hedden  and  Wolphert  Garritsen,  for  what  is  called  the 
Little  Flats ;  and  another  to  Wouter  Van  Twiller  the 
Director,  for  what  has  since  been  denominated  Twil- 
ler's  Flats.  The  deed  is  dated  June  6th,1636.  These 
three  latter  tracts  lie  partly  in  Flatbush  and  partly 
in  Flatlands.  It  is  not  improbable,  however,  that  con- 
siderable settlements  were  made  before  any  formal 
grants  or  Patents  of  lands  were  obtained.  It  was  soon 
ascertained  that  the  lands  in  and  about  Flatlands,  were 
level  and  free  from  woods.  This  was  a  strong  inducement 
to  settlers  who  came  from  the  level  country  of  Holland, 
and  who  had  no  domestic  animals  for  the  plough,  to  oc- 
cupy this  part  of  the  island.  It  is  believed  that  as  early 
as  the  year  1630,  a  settlement  was  effected  in  that  town, 
which  was  then  called  New-Amersfort,  after  Amersfort,  a 
town  in  the  province  of  Utrecht,  in  Holland,  from  which 
probably  some,  if  not  most  of  the  earlier  settlers  came. 
It  also  received  the  name  of  De  Baije,  or  the  Bay.  In 
1634,  this  town  appears  to  have  contained  quite  a  num- 
ber of  inhabitants. 

But  about  this  time,  the  Dutchmen  found  that  the  plain 
clear  land  was  not  so  strong  and  productive  as  that  which 
bore  heavy  timber  ;  this  induced  many  of  them  to  seek  a 
settlement  somewhat  farther  to  the  north — and  from  the 
best  account  it  would  appear  that- about  the  year  1634,  tho 


11 

settlement  of  Flatbush  commenced.  It  then  comprised  a 
tract  of  woodland  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  Hills,  on 
the  south  by  Flatlands,  and  extending  east  and  west  in 
one  continual  forest.  This  tract  was  evidently  purchased 
by  the  governor  of  the  colony,  or  by  the  first  settlers, 
from  the  native  Indian  proprietors,  but  the  amount  of 
consideration  paid  cannot  now  be  ascertained.  At  the 
time  of  the  purchase,  it  was  heavily  covered  with  timber, 
(consisting  principally  of  hickory  and  white  and  black 
oak,)  with  the  exception  of  two  small  parcels  which  were 
clear  and  destitute  of  trees,  lying  to  the  east  of  the  town, 
then  called  by  the  names  of  Corlaer's  and  Twiller's  Flats, 
and  another  on  the  south  of  the  town  adjoining  Flatlands, 
called  the  Little  Flats.  The  land  thus  described,  from 
its  being  principally  covered  with  timber,  and  from  its  pe- 
culiar location,  having  the  hills  on  the  north  and  Flatlands 
on  the  south,  was  appropriately  called  by  the  first  settlers, 
by  the  name  of  Midwout,  or  Middlewoods. 

The  first  settlements  in  the  town  were  made  along  an 
Indian  path  leading  from  the  Hills  to  New-Amersfort, 
which  is  now  the  present  highway  or  street  through  the 
village  of  Flatbush.  All  subsequent  settlements  were 
principally  confined  to  the  same  path,  and  will  readily 
account  for  the  crooked  direction  of  the  present  road. 
The  first  settlers  were  intent  upon  making  agriculture 
their  principal  means  of  subsistence.  In  order  therefore 
to  concentrate  their  dwellings  as  much  as  possible,  so  as 
to  protect  their  families  from  Indian  intrusions  or  other 
depredations,  and  to  form  a  village  of  farmers,  they  de- 
termined to  lay  out  their  farms  in  narrow  oblongs  fronting 
on  both  sides  of  the  path  above  mentioned.  The  farms 
were  accordingly  laid  out  into  forty-eight  lots  or  tracts  of 
land,  extending  six  hundred  Dutch  rods  on  each  side  of 


12 

the  Indian  path,  and  having  severally  an  average  width 
of  about  twenty-seven  rods.  The  lots  or  farms  on  the  east 
side  of  the  path,  were  all  laid  out  in  a  direction  running 
east  and  west:  while  those  on  the  west  side  thereof,  had 
a  south-westerly  inclination  so  as  to  correspond  with  the 
direction  of  the  Hills  adjoining  the  north-westerly  side  of 
the  town.  An  allotment  was  then  made  between  the 
several  proprietors  of  mostly  two  lots  or  more  a  peice, 
and  for  the  support  of  the  gospel  among  them  according  to 
their  own  religious  faith,  the  most  central  and  eligible  lots 
were  reserved  and  set  apart  for  their  church.  The  dis- 
tribution among  the  proprietors,  was  probably  made  by 
lot,  which  appears  to  have  been  the  almost  invariable 
practice  of  the  Dutch  in  dividing  the  lands  which  they 
patented.  A  considerable  portion  of  wood-lands  lying  on 
the  west,  north  and  east  sides  of  the  towns,  together  with 
Corlaer's  and  Twiller's  Flats,  were  left  in  common  and 
remained  for  years  undivided. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  existing  governor  in 
order  to  secure  the  inhabitants  of  Midwout  in  the  quiet 
possession  of  their  purchase  from  the  native  Indian  pro- 
prietors,  confirmed  the  same  to  them  by  his  Ground  Brief 
or  Letters  Patent.  But  when  this  was  granted  cannot  now 
be  ascertained  with  entire  certainty.  In  the  year 
1684,  twenty  years  after  the  surrender  of  the  Colony 
to  the  English,  an  order  was  issued  by  the  Gover- 
nor and  Council,  commanding  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Dutch  towns  in  the  provinces  of  New- York  and 
New-Jersey  to  bring  their  Dutch  Patents  and  Indian 
Deeds  into  the  ISecretary's  Office  in  New- York.  This 
order  was  no  doubt  complied  with  by  this  as  well  as 
the  other  Dutch  towns  on  Long-Island,  and  thus  the  origi- 
nal patent  with  those  of  the  other  towns,  except  Graves- 


end,  (which  being  settled  chiefly  by  English  emigrants, 
was  favored  by  the  Governor,)  was  destroyed  or  sent  to 
England.  The  object  of  this  arrangement  was  to  cause 
the  towns  to  take  out  new  Patents,  and  thus  not  only 
acknowledge  the  English  government,  but  increase  the 
rfevenue  of  the  English  Governor.  It  is  probable  how- 
ever, that  the  first  patent  obtained  from  the  Dutch  Gover- 
nor was  only  for  that  part  of  Flatbush  which  goes  under 
the  name  of  the  old  town,  which  was  granted  about  the 
year  1651  or  1652.  The  original  proprietors  according 
to  H.  C.  Murphy,  Esq.,  of  Brooklyn,  were  Jan  Snedecor 
Arent  Van  Hatten,  one  of  the  Burgomasters  of  New- 
Amsterdam,  Johannes  Megapolensis,  one  of  the  ministers 
of  the  same  city,  and  others.  On  the  20th  day  of  June, 
in  the  year  1656,  a  Ground  Brief  or  Patent  was  granted 
by  Governor  Stuyvesant  to  the  "  indwellers  and  inhabi- 
tants of  Midwout,"  for  the  Canarsee  Meadows,  which 
are  therein  described  as  "a  parcel  of  meadow  ground,  or 
valley,  lying  on  the  east  north-east  of  the  Canarsee  Indian 
planting  lands."  This  is  the  only  original  Dutch  Patent 
of  any  part  of  the  town  which  has  been  discovered. 

These  meadow  lands  lying  at  Canarsee,  appear  to  have 
been  divided  and  an  allotment  made  of  them  among  the 
proprietors  about  the  time  of  obtaining  this  Patent,  or  ve- 
ry shortly  after,  as  in  some  of  the  Ground  Briefs  to  indi- 
viduals mention  is  made  of  certain  portions  of  these  mea- 
dow lands  as  appertaining  to  the  farm,  and  they  are  desig- 
nated by  particular  numbers. 

Subsequently  to  the  allotments  made  by,  and  between 
the  inhabitants  of  Midwout,  of  the  several  parcels  of  land 
to  them  respectively  allotted,  many  were  desirous  to  have 
written  titles  to  their  lands  ;  and  for  this  purpose  applied 
to,  and  obtained  from  Governor  Stuyvesant,  Letters  Pa- 

2 


14 

tent  to  secure  them  in  their  possession.  These  Patents  to 
individuals  bear  different  dates,  and  some  as  late  as  within 
a  year  or  two  previous  to  the  surrender  of  the  country  to 
the  English.  Some  of  them  were  recorded  in  the  town 
books,  even  several  years  after  the  surrender. 

Flatbush  appears  to  have  increased  in  the  number  of 
its  inhabitants  very  rapidly  after  its  first  settlement  ;  for 
as  early  as  the  year  1658,  it  was  the  seat  of  Justice  for 
the  County,  and  a  market  town.  At  that  time  the  public 
officers  of  the  county,  the  Minister,  Sherift',  Secretary  or 
Clerk,  as  well  as  a  public  School-Master  resided  in  it. 
The  courts  were  held  here,  and  the  general  business  of 
this  section  of  Long  Island  was  transacted  here.  Four 
years  previous  to  this,  viz  :  in  the  year  1654,  the  order  of 
the  Governor  was  issued  for  building  the  first  church. 
But  this  we  shall  more  particularly  allude  to  when  we 
come  to  speak  of  the  ecclesiastical  history  of  the  town. 

Governor  Stuyvesant  the  last  of  the  Dutch  Governors, 
was  unquestionably  a  brave  and  an  honest  man.  But  va- 
rious causes  of  discontent  arose  previous  to,  and  during 
his  administration,  which  called  for  the  remonstrance  of 
the  people.  The  laws  were  imperfect,  and  many  of  them 
not  at  all  adapted  to  the  times.  The  voice  of  the  people 
was  not  had  in  the  choice  of  magistrates,  nor  in  the  enac- 
ment  of  the  statutes,  by  which  they  were  to  be  governed. 
Causes  of  Justice  were  too  frequently  decided  from  mere 
wantonness  and  caprice,  and  the  Governor  and  Council 
appeared  indisposed  to  remedy  many  existing  evils  in  the 
administration  of  civil  and  criminal  jurisprudence.  The 
sense  of  public  insecurity  in  time,  produced  a  spirit 
of  general  discontent,  and  the  people  with  great  unanimi- 
ty resolved  to  state  their  grievances  to  the  Governor,  and 
respectfully  demand  redress.     Accordingly  the  Burgo- 


15 

masters  of  New  Amsterdam,  called  upon  the  several 
Dutch  Towns  to  send  delegates  to  a  convention  to  be  held 
in  that  city  on  the  26th.  of  November,  1653.  At  this  con- 
vention  delegates  appeared  from  Flatbush  as  well  as  from 
the  other  towns.  The  convention  adjourned  to  the  11th. 
of  December  following,  when  after  mutual  consultation, 
and  discussion  of  various  matters,  they  adopted  a  remon- 
strance, which  in  an  able  but  respectful  manner  set  forth 
their  grievances.  This  ancient  document  is  interesting 
as  showing  that  at  that  early  day  the  people  had  intelli- 
gence enough  to  understand  their  rights  and  know  the 
legitimate  objects  of  civil  government.  The  remonstrance 
was  signed  by  all  the  members  of  the  convention.  The 
delegates  from  Flatbush  whose  names  are  attached  to  it 
were  "  Elbert  Elbertson,  and  Thomas  Spicer."  The  Gro- 
vemor  and  Council  gave  no  formal  answer  to  the  remon- 
strance of  the  deputies,  but  entered  one  on  their  minutes, 
in  which  they  denied  the  right  of  Flatbush  and  of  Brook- 
lyn and  Flatlands  to  send  delegates,  and  protested  against 
the  meeting,  although  it  had  been  called  at  the  request  of 
the  Governor  himself.  Entertaining  a  just  sense  of  the 
responsibility  attached  to  them,  the  deputies  made  anoth- 
er but  ineffectual  attempt  to  obtain  a  recognition  of  their 
rights.  On  the  13th  of  December  1653,  they  presented 
another  remonstrance,  in  which  they  declared,  that  if 
they  could  not  obtain  a  redress  of  their  grievances  from  the 
Governor  and  Council,  they  would  be  under  the  necessi- 
ty of  appealing  to  their  superiors,  the  States  General. 
This  so  irritated  Governor  Stuyvesant  that  he  ordered 
them  "  to  disperse,  and  not  to  assemble  again  upon  such 
a  business." 

In  1654,  it  appears  that  the  country  was  much  infested 
with  robbers.     The  inhabitants  of  this  and  the  neighbor- 


16 

ing  towns  were  much  annoyed  by  their  depredations.  To 
guard  themselves  against  these,  the  magistrates  of  Mid- 
wout  united  with  those  of  Brooklyn  and  Amersfort  in  form- 
ing a  military  volunteer  company  against  "  robbers  and 
pirates,"  as  they  expressed  themselves.  This  company 
was  formed  on  the  7th,  of  April,  1654,  and  determined 
that  there  should  be  a  military  officer  in  each  town,  call- 
ed a  Sergeant,  as  well  as  a  public  patrole  in  each  vil- 
lage. On  the  day  following  the  organization  of  the  com- 
pany, the  Governor  issued  his  proclamation  against  cer- , 
tain  robbers,  whom  he  states  "  had  been  banished  from 
New-England,  and  were  wandering  about  on  Long- 
Island." 

In  1655,  a  large  body  of  Northern  Indians,  made  a  de- 
scent on  Staten  Island,  and  massacreed  sixty-seven  per- 
sons ;  after  which,  they  crossed  to  Long-Island  and  in- 
vested Gravesend,  which  was  relieved  by  a  party  of  sol- 
diers from  New- Amsterdam.  To  guard  against  similar 
attacks,  as  well  as  to  defend  themselves  from  the  encroach- 
ments of  their  neighboring  Indians,  the  inhabitants  of 
Flatbush  were  ordered  by  Governor  Stuyvesant  in  1656, 
to  enclose  their  village  with  palisadoes.  These  fortifica- 
tions were  required  to  be  kept  up  under  the  English  govern- 
ment, as  will  appear  by  the  following  record  of  the  court 
of  Sessions  for  the  West  Riding  of  Yorkshire,  upon  Long 
Island,  December  15th,  1675.  "  The  Town  of  Flatbush 
having  neglected  the  making  of  ffortifications,  the  court 
take  notis  of  it,  and  reffer  the  censure  to  ye  Governor." 
It  is  further  ascertained  from  traditionary  information, 
that  the  first  church  was  fenced  in  with  strong  pallisa- 
does,  and  that  the  early  settlers  went  out  in  the  day  time 
to  cultivate  their  farms,  and  returned  in  the  evening  and 
lodged  within  the  enclosure  during  the  night  time  for 


17 

their  safety  and  mutual  protection  ;  and  that  this  practice 
continued  until  there  was  a  sufficient  number  of  substan- 
tial  dwellings  erected,  so  as  to  render  the  precaution  un- 
necessary. 

In  the  original  Dutch  Patent  of  the  town,  there  was 
some  reserve  of  quit  rent  to  be  paid  to  the  Governor.  But 
as  the  Patent  cannot  be  found,  the  amount,  or  the  kind  of 
this  quit  rent  cannot  be  ascertained.  But  on  the  6th  of 
June,  1656,  Governor  Stuyvesant  issued  a  peremptory 
order,  prohibiting  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush,  as  well  as 
those  of  Brooklyn  and  Flatlands,  from  removing  their 
crops  of  grain  from  the  fields  until  the  tythes  reserved  by 
their  Patents  had  either  been  taken  or  commuted  for. 

It  is  not  distinctly  known  to  what  branches  of  agricul- 
ture our  early  Dutch  ancestors  devoted  themselves.  But  as 
for  a  considerable  time  they  had  to  cultivate  the  ground 
without  the  aid  of  animals,  and  chiefly  by  the  hoe  and 
spade,  it  is  probable  that  they  turned  their  attention  to 
that  which  would  yield  the  most  profit  from  the  smallest 
piece  of  ground.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  in  com- 
mon with  some  other  places,  on  the  west  end  of  Long- 
Island,  tobacco  was  raised  in  considerable  quantities  in 
this  town  during  its  early  settlement.  For  in  addition  to 
that  consumed  in  the  Colony,  shipments  of  this  article 
were  made  from  New-Amsterdam  to  Holland.  As  early 
as  1643,  a  grant  for  a  tobacco  plantation  at  the  Walla- 
bought  was  made.  Tobacco  became  too,  at  an  early  day 
a  standard  of  value  for  lands  and  other  property  : 
And  in  1638,  an  Act  was  passed,  commonly  called  the 
Tobacco  Statute,  in  which,  mention  is  made  of  the  high 
estimation  in  which  the  tobacco  shipped  from  New. 
Netherlands  was  held  in  the  European  market,  and  va- 
rious regulations   are  prescribed  relative  to  the  manner 

2* 


18 

in  which  it  shall  be  cultivated,  inspected,  and  sold.  We 
have  no  doubt  that  the  inhabitants  of  Midwout  early 
engaged  in  the  production  of  this  article.  (See  Thomp- 
son's History  of  Long-Island  for  the  Tobacco  Statute, 
page  177.)  Great  attention  too  was  paid  to  the  raising 
of  Barley.  Vast  quantities  of  malt  liquors  were  made 
in  New- Amsterdam,  and  of  consequence,  a  ready  market 
was  there  found  for  this  article.  It  became  in  some 
subsequent  years  almost  the  staple  of  this  part  of  Long- 
Island  ;  so  much  so,  that  20,000  bushels  of  Barley  were 
annually  sold  from  Flatbush  alone. 

Van  der  Donk,  in  his  History  of  New-Netherlands, 
which  was  published  in  1655,  also  states  that  much  atten- 
tion was  paid  by  the  Dutch  agriculturalists  to  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  best  vegetables  and  fruits  of  various  kinds  • 
and  a  great  variety  of  beautiful  flowers. 

Nothing  of  very  special  interest  occurred  in  Flatbush, 
from  the  date  which  we  have  last  mentioned,  until  the  pe- 
riod of  the  surrender  of  the  country  to  the  English,  which 
took  place  in  the  year  1664.  The  number  of  the  inha- 
bitants in  the  town,  appears  to  have  increased  quite 
rapidly  up  to  this  time,  when  it  is  supposed  it  contained 
a  larger  population  than  at  the  conclusion  of  the  revola- 
tionary  war,  in  1783. 

We  will  be  pardoned  for  digressing  here  for  a  few  mo- 
ments, for  the  purpose  of  narrating  the  manner,  and  some 
of  the  terms  and  conditions,  on  which  the  surrender  of  the 
country  was  made  to  the  English  authorities.  King 
Charles,  by  Letters  Patent,  granted  to  his  brother,  James, 
the  Duke  of  York,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  Long-Island,  all 
Hudsons'  River,  and  all  lands  from  the  west  side  of  Con- 
necticut River  to  the  east  side  of  Delaware  Bav,  toircther 
with  all  royalties  and  riglit  of  governmei^.    This  embra- 


V 

\ 


19 

ced  all  the  countries  then  governed  by  the  Dutch.  Soon 
after  the  grant  of  this  Patent,  King  Charles  despatched  a 
small  force,  for  the  purpose  of  subduing  the  country. 
The  Dutch  inhabitants  were  apprized  of  the  designs  of 
the  English,  ^by  the  vigilance  of  Governor  Stuyvesant, 
who  had  received  information,  that  an  expedition  was  pre- 
paring against  them,  consisting  of  three  vessels,  of  forty 
or  fifty  guns  each,  having  on  board  about  three  hundred 
soldiers,  and  laying  at  Plymouth  in  England,  waiting  for 
a  fair  wind.  The  Dutch  authorities  were  called  togeth- 
er, by  their  Governor,  and  they  ordered  the  fort  to  be  put 
in  the  best  state  of  defence.  As  soon  as  the  vessels  arrived 
in  the  outer  harbor  of  New- York,  which  was  in  August, 
1664,  Governor  Stuyvesant  sent  a  polite  note  to  the  En- 
glish  commander,  dated,  August  19th,  1664,  desiring  the 
reason  of  their  approach  and  continuance  in  the  harbor 
without  giving  the  Dutch  notice.  This  letter  was  sent  by 
John  Declyer,  one  of  the  chief  council,  the  Rev.  John 
Megapolensis,  minister,  Paul  Lunden  Vander  Grilft  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Megapolensis,  doctor  of  physic.  On  the  next 
day,  Col.  Richard  Nicolls,  who  was  the  commander  of  the 
expedition,  and  was  clothed  with  the  powers  of  Governor^ 
sent  an  answer,  and  demanded  a  surrender  of  the  country. 
In  this  document  he  informed  Governor  Stuyvesant,  thai 
he  had  been  sent  out  by  the  King  of  England,  for  the 
maintainance  of  his  unquestionable  rights,  and  that  he  had 
been  commanded  to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  country, 
and  in  his  name  he  now  required  such  surrender.  He 
however  assured  him,  thai;  every  Dutch  inhabitant  who 
should  readily  submit  to  the  King  of  England,  should  be 
secured  in  his  estate,  life  and  liberty.  He  despatched 
the  summons  by  four  persons,  through  whom  he  expected 
to  receive  an  answer.     These  persons  were  George  Cart- 


20 

Wright,  one  of  his  Majesty's  commissioners  in  America, 
Captain  Robert  Needham,  Captain  Edward  Groves  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Delavall. 

Governor  Stuyvesant  promised  an  answer  the  next 
morning,  and  in  the  mean  time  convened  the  council  and 
Burgomasters.  He  was,  unquestionably  a  brave  soldier, 
and  had  lost  a  leg  in  the  service  of  his  country,  and  was 
desirous  to  defend  the  place  by  all  the  means  in  his  pow- 
er. He  therefore  refused  both  to  the  inhabitants  and  the 
Burgomasters  a  sight  of  the  summons,  lest  the  easy  terms 
proposed  might  induce  them  to  capitulate.  The  inhabi- 
tants were  called  together  at  the  Staatds  House,  and 
informed  of  the  Governor's  refusal.  On  the  2d  day 
of  September,  1664,  the  Burgomasters  came  in  coun- 
cil, and  demanded  to  see  the  summons,  which  the  Go- 
vernor then  in  a  fit  of  anger  tore  to  pieces.  But  not- 
withstanding the  yielding  disposition  of  the  inhabitants  to 
the  British  commissioners,  which  arose,  no  doubt,  from  a 
growing  .discontent  with  the  Dutch  government,  which 
had  existed  for  several  years  irk  the  country,  Governar 
Stuyvesant  resolved  upon  a  vigorous  resistance,  and  sent 
to  the  English  commander  a  long  letter,  vindicating  the 
justice  of  the  Dutch  claiiTK  to  the  territory  which  they  oc- 
cupied. 

While  the  Governor  and  council  were  contending  with 
the  Burgomasters  and  people,  in  the  city  of  New-Amster- 
dam, the  English  commissioners  published  a  proclama- 
tion  in  the  country,  encouraging  the  inhabitants  to  sub- 
mit, and  promising  them  all  the  privileges  of  British  sub- 
jects. Many,  on  discovering  from  Governor  Stuyvesant's 
letter,  which  was  then  likewise  published,  that  he  was 
averse  to  the  surrender,  being  fearful  of  the  impending 
storm,  resolved  to  join  the  strongest  party,  and  began  to- 


21 

beat  up  for  volunteers,  particularly  on  Long-Island. 
The  Governor  being  thus  invaded  by  a  foreign  foe, 
and  threatened  to  be  deserted  by  those  on  whose  friend- 
ship he  had  depended,  perceiving  that  resistance  would 
only  occasion  a  wanton  effusion  of  blood,  agreed  to 
appoint  six  distinguished  citizens  on  his  part,  who,  in 
conjunction  with  an  equal  number  of  British  commis- 
sioners should  conclude  a  treaty  for  the  surrender  of 
the  country. 

The  commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  Dutch  were 

John  D.  Deckar, 

Nicholas  Verleet, 

Samuel  Megapolensis, 

Oleffe  Stevens  Van  Kortlandt, 

James  Cousseau, 

Cornelius  Steenwick, 
On  the  part  of  the  English,  they  were 

Robert  Carr, 

George  Carteret, 

John  Winthrop, 

Samuel  Willys, 

Thomas  Clarke, 

John  Pinchen. 
This  treaty  was  agreed  upon.  It  consisted  of  twenty- 
three  articles,  of  which  it  is  sufficient  to  give  the  outlines 
of  some  of  the  most  prominent.  The  Staats  General,  or 
the  Dutch  West  India  Company  were  to  enjoy  all  farms 
and  houses  except  those  in  the  forts,  and  had  liberty  with- 
in six  months  to  transport  all  arms  and  ammunition  which 
belonged  to  them.  The  people  might  remain  free 
denizens,  and  occupy  or  dispose  of  their  lands,  houses  and 
goods,  as  they  pleased.  They  were  to  enjoy  free  liberty 
of  conscience,  and   retain  their  own   customs  respecting 


22 

their  inheritances.  No  judgment  which  had  passed  any 
of  the  courts  of  judicature  could  be  called  in  question,  and 
all  previous  differences  respecting  contracts,  were  to  be 
determined  according  to  the  manner  of  the  Dutch.  No 
Dutchman  nor  Dutch  ships  could  be  pressed  to  serve  in 
war  against  any  nation  whatever,  and  no  soldiers  quarter- 
ed on  the  inhabitants.  Inferior  civil  officers  might  con- 
tinue to  fill  their  stations  till  the  customary  time  of  anew 
election,  and  the  inhabitants  were  entitled  to  choose  depu- 
ties, who  should  have  free  voices  in  all  public  affairs. 
The  soldiers  were  to  march  out  with  the  honors  of  war, 
and  each  of  them  who  chose  to  remain  in  the  country  was 
entitled  to  fifty  acres  of  land.  The  Articles  were  approv- 
ed  by  Colonel  Richard  Nicolls,  on  the  7th,  of  September, 
and  on  the  9th,  of  September,  1664,  by  Governor  Stuy- 
vesant. 

About  the  time  of  the  surrender  of  the  country  to  the 
Duke  of  York,  there  appears  to  have  been  a  considerable 
contest  as  to  the  boundary  line  between  the  towns  of  Mid- 
wout  and  New-Amersfort,  which  was  attended  with  fre- 
quent collisions,  and  particularly  so,,  in  the  mowing  and 
ingathering  of  hay  on  the  Canarsee  meadows.  This  even- 
tually led  to  an  application  to  Governor  Richard  Nicolls 
for  the  settlement  of  the  subject  in  controversy,  between 
the  contending  parties.  Governor  Nicolls  in  the  year 
1666  appointed  arbitrators  to  view  and  settle  the  matters 
in  difference  between  them.  The  arbitrators  thus  appoint- 
ed, accordingly  met,  for  the  purpose  of  viewing  the  pre- 
mises and  issuing  the  differences  between  these  towns  on 
the  17th,  of  October,  1666.  They  were  accompanied  by 
many  of  the  inhabitants,  and  after  a  careful  survey,  a 
designated  line  was  agreed  upon.  The  line  thus  consent- 
ed to  was  designated  by  marked  trees,  wherever  practica- 


23 

ble,  and  in  other  instances,  by  prominent  stakes,  or  a  fence 
set  up  between  the  two  towns.  In  the  Canarsee  mea- 
dows, which  were  esteemed  valuable  at  that  time,  it  was 
described  with  greater  precision,  and  was  designated  by 
an  instrument  similar  to  the  mariners  compass,  and  was 
to  run  according  to  the  terms  of  Governor  Stuyvesant's 
Patent,  granted  to  Midwout,  in  1656,  from  the  woodland 
to  the  mouth  of  the  kill  or  creek,  (now  called  the  first 
creek,  or  Vanderveer'smill  creek,)  with  an  East  line  half 
a  point  northerly,  without  variation  of  compass.  The 
award  and  determination  of  the  arbitrators  was  made  to 
Governor  Nicolls,  in  accordance  to  the  above  arrange- 
ment, and  the  line  being  marked,  and  staked  out,  in  con- 
formity thereto,  the  award  received  his  approbation  and 
sanction,  on  the  20th,  day  of  April,  1667. 

This  controversy  being  thus  happily  terminated,  and 
the  southern  boundary  of  the  town  permanently  fixed, 
the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush,  in  the  year  1667,  applied  to 
Governor  Nicolls  for  a  confirmatory  grant,  to  secure  them 
in  their  possessions,  as  he  was  required  to  do,  by  virtue, 
and  in  pursuance  of  the  Articles  of  capitulation.  On  the 
11th,  of  October,  in  the  year  1667,  the  Governor  granted 
letters  patent,  to  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  Mid- 
wout, alias  Flatbush,  of  which,  the  following  is  a  conden- 
sed abstract  : 

"  Richard  Nicolls,  Esq.  &c.  Whereas  there  is  a  cer- 
tain town  within  this  government,  known  by  the  name  of 
Midwout,  alias  Flatbush,  &c.  now  for  a  confirmation,  (fee. 
Know  ye  that  I  have  given,  ratified,  confirmed  and  grant- 
ed unto  Mr.  Johannes  Megapolensis,  one  of  the  ministers  of 
this  city,  Mr.  Cornelius  Van  Ruyven,  one  of  the  justices 
of  the  peace,  Adrian  Hegeman,  Jan  Snediger,  Jan  Stry- 
ker,  Frans  Barents  Pastor,  Jacob  Stryker,  and  Cornelius 


Janse  Bougaert,  as  Patentees,  for,  and  on  behalf,  of  them- 
selves and  associates,  freeholders   and   inhabitants  of  the 
said  town,  their  heirs,   successors  and  assigns;    All  that 
tract,  together  with  the  several  parcels  of  land,  which  al- 
ready have,  or  hereafter  shall  be  purchased  or  procured 
for,  and  on  behalf  of  the  said  town  ;  whether  from  the  na- 
tive Indian  proprietors  or  others,  within   the  bounds  and 
limits  hereafter  set  forth  and  expressed,  viz  :    That  is  to 
say  :  The  said  town  is  bounded  to  the  south  by  the  Hills, 
to  the  north  by  the  fence  lately  sett  between  them  and 
the  tOAvn  of  Amersfort,  alias  Flatlands :   Beginning  at  a 
certain  tree,  standing  upon  the  Little  Flats,  marked  by  or- 
der and  determination  of  several  arbitrators,  appointed  by 
me,   to  view  and  issue  the   differences  between  the  two 
towns,  concerning  the  same,  w^hich  accordingly  they  did, 
upon  the  17th,  day  of  October,  1666,  and  to  the  east  and 
west  by  the  common  woodlands,  including   two   Flats, 
heretofore  called  by  the  names  of  Corlei's  and  Twillei*s 
Flats,  which  lye  to  the  east  of  the  town  :  As  also  a  par- 
cel of  meadow  ground  or  valley  on  the  east  northeast 
side  of  the  Canarsee  planting  land,   and  having  to  the 
south  the  meadow  ground  belonging  to  Amersfort,  alias 
Platlands,  according  to  the  division  made  by  an  east  line 
•unning  half  a  point  northerly,  between  them,  without  va- 
cation  of  the  compass,  and  so  to  go  to  the  mouth  of  the 
^reek  or  Kill  ;  which  said  meadows  were  upon  the  20th, 
'f  April  last,  by  common  consent  staked  out,  and  by  my 
ipprobation  allowed  of :  All   which  said  tracts  and  par- 
cels of  land,  meadow  ground,  &;c.    Dated,  October,  11th, 
667." 

The  first  settlers  of  Midwout,  or  Flatbush,  were  a  bar- 
ly  body  of  farmers,  inured  to  labor,  and  acquainted  more 
)r  less,  with  some  mechanical  trade.     This  wascalculat- 


25 

ed  to  promote  their  domestic  comfort,  to  render  themselves 
useful  to  one  another,  and  make  them  quite  independent  of 
extraneous  aid.  It  is  worthy  of  remark",  that  it  was  a  ge- 
neral rule  for  every  parent  to  cause  his  sons  to  be  in- 
structed in  some  useful  mechanical  business,  although  in- 
tended for  farmers,  and  that  this  practice  was  invariably 
continued  until  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary 
war.  In  the  original  subdivision  of  the  town  amongst 
the  different  proprietors,  it  will  be  perceived,  as  above  sta- 
ted, that  the  allotments  of  land  were  made  only  for  tliose 
who  intended  to  obtain  the  means  of  subsistence  by  the 
cultivation  of  the  earth.  There  was  therefore  no  provi- 
sion as  yet  made  for  mechanics,  who  might  desire  to  make 
a  permanent  residence  here.  Upon  the  introduction  of  a 
few  mechanics,  it  was  perceived  that  from  the  ability  and 
employments  of  the  inhabitants  generally,  there  was  but  lit- 
tle prospect  of  their  being  able  to  support  themselves,  and 
their  families  in  any  comfortable  way,  without  the  culti- 
vation of  some  land,  at  least  for  family  subsistence.  The 
attention  of  the  inhabitants  was  directed  to  this  subject, 
and  the  church  lands  were  thereupon  divided  into  suitable 
and  convenient  parcels,  so  as  to  accommodate  the  mecha- 
nics, and  let  to  them  for  low  and  reasonable  rents.  A 
tract  of  woodland  was  also  purchased  and  patented,  ly- 
ing to  the  east  of  the  town  and  north  of  what  is  called 
Flatlands  Neck,  expressly  for  the  benefit  of  the  mecha- 
nics, and  appropriately  called  Renters  Hook,  or  Mecha- 
nics Hook.  The  inhabitants  of  the  town  were  at,  and 
about  that  time,  divided  into  two  classes,  called  Keuters 
or  mechanics,  and  Boers,  or  Farmers  ;  and  this  distinc- 
tion was  kept  up  for  years  afterwards.  The  date  of  the 
Patent  of  Keuters  Hook  cannot  now  be  ascertained  with 

3 


26 

precision,  but  was  probably   not  very  long  after  the  sur- 
render of  the  country  to  the  English. 

About  this  time  the  court  was  removed  from  Flatbush 
to  Gravesend.  This  was  no  doubt,  in  consequence  of  the 
latter  town  being  chiefly  settled  by  English  emigrants, 
and  the  authorities  were  disposed  from  this  circumstance  to 
favor  them.  The  first  records  of  the  court,  now  in  the 
Clerk's  oflice  of  the  county,  are  dated  at  Gravesend,  in 
the  years  1668. — 69. 

Shortly  after  the  surrender  of  the  colony  to  the  English, 
the  towns  of  Brooklyn,  Bushwick,  Midwout,  or  Flatbush, 
Amersford,  or  Flatlands,  and  New-Utrecht,  were  formed 
into  a  separate  district,  for  certain  purposes,  by  the  name 
of  the  "  Five  Dutch  Towns."     For  these  towns  a  Secreta- 
ry or  Clerk,  was  specially  appointed,  whose  duties  appear 
to  have  been  confined  to  the  taking  acknowledgments  of 
transports  and  marriage  settlements,  and  proof  of  wills, 
&LC.  In  1674,  thisofHce  was  held  by  "  Nicasius  De  Sille, 
in  the  absence  of  Sr.  Ffrancis  De  Brugh."     He  was  sue-        | 
ceeded  in  the  year  1675,  by  Machiel  Hainelle,   who  had 
been  schoolmaster  in  Flatbush  during  the  previous  year. 
In  the  acknowledgments  which  he  took,  he  styles  himself 
"  Clerk,"     In  the  same  year  the  court  of  Sessions  for  the 
"West  Riding  of  Yorkshire,*  which  tlien  sat  in  Gravesend, 
after  setting  forth  the  appointment  of  Hainelle,  and  call- 
ing him  "  Secretary,"  declared,   "  It  is  the  opinion  of  the 
court,  that  for  what  publique  or  private  business  he  shall 
doe,  he  ought  to  have  reasonable  satisfacon." 


*  The  West  Riding  was  composed  of  the  towns  of  Brooklyn,  Bush- 
wich,  Flatbush,  Flatlands,  Ncw-Utrccht  and  Gravesend,  together  with 
Staten  Island  and  Newtown. 


I 


27 

New  Lots,  which  was  originally  called  Ostwout,  or 
East- Woods,  on  account  of  its  lying  east  of  Midwout  or 
the  Old  Town  of  Flatbush,  was  no  doubt  purchased  and 
procured  from  the  native  Indian  proprietors,  by  the  inha- 
bitants of  Midwout.  But  at  what  particular  time  cannot 
be  distinctly  ascertained.  It  was  probably  not  far  from 
the  period  when  the  Patent  of  Governor  Nicolls  was  grant- 
ed, which  was  in  1667.  It  was  a  tract  of  woodland  co- 
vered with  the  same  description  of  timber  as  that  of  Mid- 
wout. Its  situation  was  also  somewhat  similar,  having 
the  Hills  on  the  north,  the  Bay,  which  was  then  called  the 
Sea,  on  the  south,  and  extending  easterly  to  the  bounds 
of  Jamaica.  An  extensive  tract  of  meadows  was  includ- 
ed in  these  limits,  lying  in  front  of  the  upland,  and  ex- 
tending to  the  Bay.  All  this  land  appears  to  have  been 
subdivided  in  the  same  manner,  as  Midwout,  or  the  Old 
Town  of  Flatbush,  and  the  church  also  received  its  share 
in  such  allotment,  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  town.  The 
meadow  was,  without  doubt,  also  subdivided  about  the 
same  time,  and  similarly  allotted,  as  the  upland.  This 
opinion  appears  to  be  confirmed  by  the  fact,  that  the  first 
conveyances  of  land  recorded  in  the  town  records  always 
include  one  or  more  parcels  of  meadow  therewith.  The 
meadows  must  also  have  been  esteemed  valuable,  on  ac- 
count of  producing  spontaneously  an  annual  crop  of  hay, 
and  that,  without  previous  labor  or  tillage.  This  tract  of 
country  generally  was  called  the  New  Lands,  and  princi- 
pally settled  by  the  inhabitants  of  Midwout,  or  the  Old 
Town,  and  afterwards  assumed  the  name  of  the  New- 
Lots.  The  Patent  for  this  was  obtained  under  the  ad- 
ministration of  Sir,  Edmond  Andros,  the  second  English 
Governor,  to  which  we  shall  advert  presently. 

In  the  year  1665,  a  meeting  of  delegates  from  the  seve- 
ral towns  on  Long-Island,  was  held  at  Hempstead,  for  the 


28 

purpose  of  adjusting  any  conflicting  claims  to  lands,  and 
settling  the  boundaries  of  the  several  towns,  and  of  receiv- 
ing and  acknowledging  the  code  of  laws,  which  had  been 
prepared  by  the  Duke  of  York,  for  the  government  of  the 
Colony,  commonly  called  the  "  Dukes  Laws."  At  this 
meeting;  the  Governor  himself  attended,  and  the  delegates 
"were  so  much  orratified  with  his  manners,  and  the  liberal 
views  which  he  professed  on  the  occasion,  that  they  drew 
up,  and  signed  an  address  to  His  Royal  Highness,  the 
Duke  of  York,  full  of  gratitude  and  loyalty,  but  at  which, 
as  soon  as  their  constituents  found  that  they  were  to  have 
no  voice  in  the  selection  of  magistrates,  or  a  share  in  le- 
gislation, they  manifested  their  disapprobation,  and  censu- 
red the  deputies  with  so  much  severity,  that  the  civil  au- 
thorities thought  it  necessary  to  interfere.  And  accord- 
ingly, at  a  court  of  As-size,  held  in  October,  1666,  it  was 
resolved  that  whoever  thereafter  should  detract,  or  speak 
against  any  of  the  deputies,  signing  the  address  to  His 
Royal  Highness,  at  the  general  meeting  at  Hempstead, 
should  be  presented  to  the  next  court  of  Sessions  :  and  if 
the  justices  should  see  cause,  they  should  thence  be  bound 
over  to  the  Assizes,  there  to  answer  for  the  slander  by 
plaint  or  information. 

The  delegates  who  attended  this  convention  from  Flat- 
l)ush,  and  signed  the  address,  were  John  Stryker  and 
Hendrick  Gucksen.  It  is  not  necessary  here  to  give  any 
summary  of  the  Dukes  Laws,  which  were  then  promul- 
gated, and  continued  to  be  the  law  of  the  land  until  Octo- 
ber, 1683.  There  are  in  them  many  quite  curious  provi- 
sions. There  was  nothing  in  them  peculiar  to  any  town, 
except  the  fixing  the  mark  by  which  horses  were  to  be  ■ 
branded.  Each  town  was  required  to  have  a  marking  or 
flesh  brand  for  this  purpose.  The  town  mark  for  Flat- 
bush  was  the  letter  O. 


t 


I 


29 

It  is  probable  that  at  this  assembly,  which  fixed  the 
bounds  of  the  several  towns,  the  names  of  many  of  them 
were  altered.  The  town  of  Rutsdorpe,  was  called  Jamai- 
ca, Amersfort  was  changed  to  Flatlands,  Middleburgh  to 
Newtown,  and  Midwout  to  Flatbush,  or  Flakkebos,that  is, 
Flat  Woods.  This  name  was  given  to  it  from  its  being 
situated  on  an  apparently  level  plain,  and  surrounded  on 
almost  every  side  by  woods.  But  it  is  here  proper  to  re- 
mark, that  the  ground  in  and  about  Flatbush,  is  far  from 
being  a  dead  level.  It  is  an  inclined  plane  gradually  ex- 
tendino;  and  lesseninor  in  inclination  to  its  southern  boun- 
dary.  Hence,  here  are  no  stagnant  pools  or  marshes,  but 
all  surplus  water  from  rains  and  storms,  passes  offgradu- 
ally,  but  yet  in  a  very  short  period  to  the  ocean.  This 
renders  the  situation  of  the  town  healthful,  and  hence  it 
has  seldom  if  ever,  been  visited  with  any  prevailing  epide- 
mic. 

The  tract  of  country  now  comprising  the  town  of  Flat- 
bush as  we  have  stated,  was  originally  obtained  by  pur- 
chase from  the  Canarsee  Indians,  who  were  the  true  and 
original  owners.  The  first  Dutch  settlers  of  the  town,  in 
their  various  purchases  of  the  Indian  proprietors,  dealtfair- 
ly  and  honorably  with  them.  They  did  not  drive  them  from 
their  possessions  by  force,  but  gave  what  was  then  esteem- 
ed  by  themselves  to  be  a  valuable  consideration,  for  their 
lands.  This  integrity  and  uprightness  of  conduct,  secured 
a  lasting  friendship  with  the  Canarsee  Indians,  which  con- 
tinued till  the  total  extinction  of  that  Tribe.  These 
purchases  were  confirmed  to  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush 
by  sundry  Patents,  issued  to  them  by  the  Dutch  and  En- 
glish Governors. 

The  inhabitants  continued  in  the  peaceable  enjoyment  of 
these  premises  thus  obtained,  without  any  claim,  hindrance 
or  molestation,  from  any  person  or  persons,  until  the  year 

3* 


so 

1670,  when  Eskemoppas,  Sachem  of  Rockaway,  and  his 
two  brothel^,  laid  claim  to  the  same,  as  the  true  Indian 
owners  and  proprietors  thereof.  There  can  be  no  doubt, 
that  this  claim  was  ill  founded,  but  the  Dutch  inhabitants 
of  the  town  for  the  purpose  of  quieting  the  title  to  their 
possessions,  consented  to  take  a  conveyance  from  him  and 
his  two  brothers,  for  which  they  paid  a  valuable  considera- 
tion, vrhich  is  set  forth  in  a  schedule  subjoined  to  their 
deed.  It  may  be  gratifying  to  some  to  know  the  terms  of 
this  purchase,  and  the  contents  of  this  ancient  document. 
The  Deed  is  as  follows  : — "  To  all  christian  people  to 
whom  this  present  writing  shall  come  :  Eskemoppas,  Sa- 
chem of  Rockaway,  upon  Long  Island,  Kinnarimas  and 
Ahawaham,  his  brothers,  send  greeting  :  Whereas  they 
the  said  Sachem,  Eskemoppas  and  his  two  brothers, 
aforementioned,  do  lay  clainv  to  the  land  now  in  the  ten- 
ure and  occupation  of  the  inhabitants  of  Midwout,  alias 
Flatbush,  as  well  as  to  other  lands  thereto  adjacent,  as  the 
right  born  Indian  owners,  and  proprietors  thereof:  Know 
ye,  that  for,  and  in  consideration  of  certain  sums  of  see- 
want,  a  certain  sum  of  wampum  and  divers  other  goods 
(hereinafter  specified,)  unto  the  said  Sachem,  and  his  bro- 
thers, in  hand  paid,  and  received,  from  Adrian  Hegeman, 
Jacob  Stryker,  Hendrich  Jorise  and  Jan  Hansen,  for  and  on 
behalf  of  themselves  and  the  rest  of  the  inhabitants  of  Mid- 
wout, alias  Flatbush,  the  receipt  whereof  they  do  hereby 
acknowledge,  and  themselves  to  be  fully  satisfied  and 
paid  :  Have  given,  granted,  contracted  and  sold,  and  by 
these  presents,  freely  and  absolutely  do  give,  grant,  bar- 
gain and  sell,  unto  the  said  Adrian  Hegeman,  Jacob  Stry. 
ker,  Hendrick  Jorise  and  Jan  Hansen,  for  and  in  behalf 
of  themselves  and  the  inhabitants  aforesaid,  their  heirs 
and  successors  :  All  that  parcel  and  tract  of  land  where 
the  said  town  of  Midwout  stands,  together  with   all  the 


31 

lands  lying  therein,  stretching  on  the  east  side  to  the 
limits  of  Newtown  and  Jamaica,  on  the  south  side 
to  the  meadow  ground  and  limits  of  Amersfort  ;  on 
the  west  side  to  the  bounds  of  Gravesend  and  New- 
Utrecht,  and  on  the  north  side  along  the  Hills  ;  that 
is  to  say,  all  those  lands  within  the  limits  aforementioned 
that  have  not  been  already  purchased  by  any  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  town  aforementioned,  nor  is  granted  to  any 
in  their  respective  Patents.  And  also  excepting  such 
meadow  or  valley  in  the  possession  of  the  said  inhabitants 
and  in  their  Patent  particularly  set  forth.  To  have  and 
to  hold,  all  the  said  parcel  and  tract  of  land  and  premises 
together  with  all  and  singular,  every  thing  thereunto  be- 
longing, or  in  any  wise  appertaining,  as  before  mentioned, 
together  with  the  said  valley  or  meadow  ground,  unto  the 
said  Adrian  Hegeman,  Jacob  Stryker,  Hendrick  Jorise  and 
Jan  Hansen,  for,  and  on  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  afore- 
said, their  heirs  and  successors,  to  the  proper  use  and  be- 
half of  the  said  inhabitants,  their  heirs  and  successors  for- 
ever. In  witness  whereof,  the  parties  to  these  presents 
have  hereunto  set  their  hands  and  seals,  this  20th,  day  of 
April,  in  the  22d,  year  of  his  Majesty's  Reign,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord,  1670. 

ESKEMOPPAS,  ^  mark,  (seal.) 
KINNARIMAS,  b)  mark,  (seal.) 
AHAWAHAM,      ^    mark,  (seal.) 

Signed  and  delivered 
in  the  presence  of 

Thomas  Lovelace, 
Cornelius  Van  Ruyven. 

Recorded  the  day  and  year  within  written, 

Per  Mathias  Nicolls,  Secretary. 


I 


32 

The  payment  agreed  upon  for  the  purchase  herein 
mentioned,  was  as  follows  :  viz  : 

10  Fathoms  of  black  seewant  or  (wampum.) 
10  Fathoms  of  white    seewant  or  (wampum.) 
5  Match  coats  of  Duffells. 

4  Blankets. 
2  Gunners  sight  guns. 
2  Pistols. 

5  Double  handfulls  of  Powder,  (gispen  bunches  of 

powder.) 

5  Bars  of  Lead.  4 
10  Knives. 

2  Secret  aprons  of  Duffells,  (Cuppas  of  DufTell.) 
1  Half  fat  or  halfbarrell  of  Strong  Beer. 

3  Cans  of  Brandy. 

6  Shirts. 
All  the  above  particulars  were  received  by  the  Sachem, 

and  his  two  brothers,  in  the  presence  of  the  persons  under 
written,  as  witnesses  hereof. 

John  Manning, 

Sylvester  Salisbury, 

John  Hough, 

Jacob  Van  Cortlandt,     i  ci  i  t    i 

Teunis  Jacob  Hav,        (  f'PPOsed  Judges  or 

Edward  Carlisle.'  S    ""''''  "^  ""'  ^''^'"'- 

Acknowledged  before  me,  the  Sachem  and  his  two  bro- 
thers, and  the  goods  delivered  in  my  presence,  the  day 
and  year  within  written. 

FRANCIS  LOVELACE." 

It  was  one  of  the  provisions  of  the  Duke's  Laws,  that 
no  purchase  of  land  from  the  Indians  should  be  valid  with- 
out a  licence  from  the  Governor  to  make  such  purchase, 
and  the  purchaser  was  required  to  bring  the  Sachem  or 


t 

k 


33 

right  owner,  before  the  Governor,  to  confess  satisfaction. 
It  was  in  accordance  with  this  provision,  that  not  only  Jus- 
tices were  appointed  to  superintend  the  above  purchase, 
but  the  Sachem  and  his  brothers  appeared  before  Gover- 
nor Lovelace,  and  in  his  presence  the  payments  were 
made,  and  the  purchase  concluded.  The  provisions  rela- 
tive to  purchases  from  the  Indians,  to  which  we  have 
alluded,  were  subsequently  adopted,  and  embodied  in  a 
specific  act,  by  the  first  Colonial  Assembly,  which  met  in 
the  year  1683,  under  Governor  Dongan. 

So  much  of  the  land  thus  acquired  as  the  inhabitants  of 
Flatbush  had  occasion  for,  they  took  up,  enclosed,  and 
improved.  The  rest  was  left  in  common,  until  by  the  in- 
crease of  their  population  it  should  be  needed.  They  re- 
mained thus  in  quiet  possession  of  all  their  lands  until  the 
year  1675,  when  Captain  Richard  Betts  laid  claim  to  a 
certain  parcel  or  tract,  lying  in  the  New  Lots,  for  which 
he  said  he  had  obtained  a  deed  from  the  Indians,  of  prior 
date  to  the  one  just  recited,  given  in  the  year  1668.  We 
are  not  able  to  locate  precisely  the  premises  thus  called 
in  question.  The  matter  was  tried  at  the  court  of  Ses- 
sions, held  in  Gravesend,  for  that  year,  when  the  deed  of 
Mr.  Betts  was  allowed,  and  a  verdict  given  in  his  favor. 
But  an  appeal  was  taken  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  town, 
to  the  General  Court  of  Assizes,  which  was  holden  in  the 
same  year,  1675,  in  the  city  of  New-York.  Hereupon 
a  full  and  fair  hearing  of  the  case,  the  verdict  rendered  at 
the  court  of  Sessions  was  set  aside,  and  the  court  ordered, 
as  follows  : — "  That  the  land  shall  lye  in  common  to 
fflatbush,  and  the  townes  adjacent,  as  it  heretofore  hath 
been,  and  that  the  towns  who  have  the  beneffit  of  the  com- 
onage  shall  pay  their  equall  proportion  of  the  purchase 
money  to  the  Indyans  and  costs  of  this  suite." 


34 

It  was  probably  in  consequence  of  this  suit,  that  the  in- 
habitants of  Flatbush  sought  and  obtained  a  separate  pa- 
tent for  that  part  of  the  town  called  New-Lots.  This  was 
granted  by  Gov.  Edmond  Andros  on  the  25th  day  of  March, 
in  the  year  1677,  to  Arian  Lamberse  and  others,  to  the 
number  of  thirty-seven  persons.  This  Patent  we  have  not 
been  able  to  procure.  It  was  probably  granted  on  condi- 
tion of  the  payment  of  a  certain  quit  rent  to  the  Governor, 
which  opinion  is  confirmed  from  the  fact,  that  complaint 
was  subsequently  made  to  the  court  of  Sessions,  held  at 
Gravesend,  against  the  constable  of  New  Lots,  for  not  ta- 
king up  and  paying  over  the  same,  upon  which  diverse  or- 
ders were  passed  by  the  court  relating  thereto.  About 
the  time  of  the  settlement  of  New  Lots,  several  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Midwout,  or  Flatbush,  also  removed  to  New- 
Jersey,  and  formed  settlements  on  the  Raritan  and  Milstone 
rivers,  and  also  in  the  county  of  Monmouth,  then  called 
Neversink.  Their  numerous  descendents  now  occupy 
these  and  other  different  parts  of  New-Jersey. 

Shortly  after  this  period,  it  would  appear  from  some  re- 
cords of  the  Court  of  Sessions,  held  at  Gravesend,  that 
there  was  some  dissatisfaction  between  the  towns  of  Flat- 
bush and  Flatlands,  relative  to  their  boundary  line.  It 
was  fixed  under  the  administration  of  Governor  Nicolls,  in 
the  year  1666.  But  another  award  and  agreement  on  the 
subject  was  made,  bearing  date  the  11th  day  of  May,  1677. 
What  the  precise  terms  of  this  agreement  were,  we  are  un- 
able to  tell,  as  we  have  not  been  able  to  find  the  document. 
But  not  long  after,  it  appears  from  the  following  extracts, 
from  the  records  of  the  court,  that  the  town  of  Flatlands 
complained  of  some  trespass  committed  by  the  inhabitants 
of  the  town  of  Flatbush.  At  the  session  of  the  court  held 
June  1679,  we  find  the  following  record.    "The  inhabitants 


35 

of  fflatlands,  complayning  that  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush 
have  trespassed  upon  the  land  belonging  to  fflatlands 
aforesaid,  contrary  to  an  award  made  and  agreed  upon 
between  both  towns,  and  an  order  of  court  punctually  to 
observe  the  same,  which  being  proved  by  the  constable, 
and  one  of  the  oversees  of  Flatlands,  aforesaid,  and  they 
not  appearing  to  answer  the  complaint,  and  for  their  con- 
tempt  in  not  observing  the  said  award  and  order  of  court. 
The  court  orders  that  the  said  inhabitants  shall  pay  as  a 
fine  to  the  publique,  the  sum  of  ten  pounds,  and  to  observe 
the  said  order  of  court.  They  also  complayn,  that  the 
inhabitants  of  Flatbush  have  chopt  of  the  marke  of  a  tree, 
&c.  To  be  deferred  to  the  next  court  of  Sessions,  and 
thev  to  have  notice  of  it  to  answer  the  same." 

In  December  of  the  same  year,  (1679,)  is  the  following 
record  on  the  same  subject.  "  The  inhabitants  of  Flat- 
lands  complain  of  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush,  for  trespass- 
ing on  their  lands,  contrary  to  an  award  made  and  agreed 
upon  as  hath  formerly  been  made  appear,  and  the  said  in- 
habitants of  Flatbush  fined  the  last  court,  the  sum  of  ten 
pounds,  for  not  observing  the  said  award  and  agi'eement. 
Severall  debates  arising  about  running  the  line,  the  court 
being  satisfyed  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush  committed  a 
trespass  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Flatlands,  doe  order  that 
the  said  fine  shall  be  forthwith  paid,  or  else  exccucon  to 
issue  forth  for  the  same.  The  defendants  moved  for  an 
appeal,  which  is  granted." 

We  might  here  introduce  several  somewhat  curious  ex- 
tracts from  the  minutes  of  the  court  of  Sessions,  relative 
to  the  town.     We  will  simply  present  the  following  : 

In  1681,  it  is  recorded,  "  The  court  doe  order,  that  John 
Gerritson  Van  Marken,  shall  deliver  up  to  the  constable 
and  overseers  of  Flatbush,  all  the  books  and  writings  be- 


36 

longing  to  the  town  aforesaid,  which,  if  he  shall  refuse  to 
deliver,  that  then  the  constable  of  the  said  town  is  hereby 
ordered  and  empowered  to  take  them  from  the  said  Mar- 
ken." 

In  the  same  year,  "  There  being  a  strange  man  in  the 
custody  of  the  constable  of  Flatbush,  and  no  person  lay- 
ing claim  to  him,  the  court  order  ye  man  shall  be  apprais- 
ed and  sold,  and  if  any  person  shall  hereafter  lay  lawful 
claim  to  him,  and  desire  to  have  him  again,  he  paying 
what  lawi'ul  charges  are  out  upon  him,  may  have  him 
again." 

In  the  same  year,  (1681,)  is  the  following  :  "  At  the  re- 
quest of  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush,  this  court  doe 
order,  that  the  constable  of  the  town  give  speedy  notice  to 
the  inhabitants,  that  tlrey  forthwith  fence  their  cornfields, 
and  after  legal  warning  given,  any  person  shall  be  found 
defective  herein,  that  then  said  person  or  persons,  so  offen- 
ding,  shall  be  proceeded  against,  according  to  law,  and  to 
be  complained  against  at  the  next  Sessions." 

In  1682,  is  the  following  :  "Upon  the  complaint  of  the 
constable  of  Flatbush,  that  there  are  severall  persons  in 
the  said  town,  who  doe  refuse  to  pay  there  minister.  The 
court  doe  order,  that  such  persons  who  sliall  refuse  to  pay 
their  said  minister,  it  shall  betaken  from  them  by  distress." 
From  the  general  prevalence  of  the  voluntary  principle 
at  the  present  day,  in  the  support  of  the  gospel,  and  the 
abolishing  of  the  unlioly  union  of  church  and  state,  we 
look  almost  with  wonder  at  such  provisions  and  enact- 
ments. 

In  the  year  1683,  there  is  another  record  relative  to 
an  alleged  trespass  b)^  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush,  upon 
the  town  of  Flatlands,  of  nearly  the  same  import  with  the 
one  which  we  have  quoted  above,  but  we  need  not  recite  it. 


S7 

In  1685,  in  an  action  between  Derick  Storm,  and  the  in- 
habitants  of  Flatbush,  it  is  recorded,  "  An  agreement 
read  between  Storm  and  Joseph  Hegeman,  Cornelius  Ber- 
rian,  John  Stryker,  William  Guilliamsen,  and  others,  in 
behalf  of  ye  town  of  Fflatbush,  uppon  which.  Storm  prayed 
a  sallarry,  may  be  allowed  him,  for  serving  the  town  as 
schoolmaster  to  their  children.  Ordered  that  Court 
Steephens  and  Symou  Jansen,  examine  ye  accounts,  and 
agreement  between  them,  and  these  partys  to  stand  to 
their  determination." 

In  the  same  year,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  for  refusing  to 
stand  constable  for  Flatbush,  although  legally  elected, 
was  by  the  court  fined  five  pounds  to  the  public. 

On  the  7th,  of  November,  1685,  at  the  session  of  the 
second  colonial  assembly,  held  under  the  administration 
of  Governor  Dongan,  an  act  was  passed  for  removing  the 
court  of  Sessions  of  Kings  county,  from  Gravesend  to 
Flatbush.  The  cause  for  this,  stated  in  the  preamble  of 
the  act,  is  the  inconvenience  to  which  the  inhabitants  of  the 
county  are  subjected,  in  travelling  so  far  as  Gravesend. 
Flatbush  is  about  the  geographical  centre  of  the  county  of 
Kings,  and  afforded  in  this  respect  the  most  eligible  pla<?e 
for  holding  the  courts  and  presented  the  least  disadvanta- 
ges to  the  inhabitants  of  the  county,  who  might  have  ju- 
dicial business  to  attend  to.  It  was  thenceforth  named  as 
the  seat  of  justice  for  the  county,  and  continued  such  till 
the  year  1832,  when  the  court-house  was  destroyed  by 
fire.  A  court-house  was  accordingly  erected  in  Flatbush, 
in  1686,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  county,  on  the  spot 
of  ground  v/hich  is  still  called  the  court-house  lot.  It  re- 
'mained  till  a  larger  one  was  built  in  the  year  1758,  an 
account  of  which  we  shall  subsequently  give. 

4 


38 

A  controversy   arose  as  early  as  1678,  between  Flat- 
bush  and  Brooklyn,  relative  the  boundary   line  between 
the    respective   towns.      The  northern  boundary  of  the 
town  of  Flatbush  according  to  their  purchase  from  the  In- 
dian proprietors  and  the  patent  which  they  had   obtained 
was  described  to   be   by   the  hills.      The  inhabitants  of 
Brooklyn,  contended  that  their  right  of  ownership  extend- 
ed to  the  foot  of  the  hills,  and  that  this  was  the  true  and 
proper  boundary  line  between  the  two  towns,  and  that  the 
Indian  conveyances  to  both   parties  would  admit   of  this 
and  of  no  other  construction.     The  inhabitants  of  Mid- 
wout  on  the  other  hand,  contended,  that  such  a  construc- 
tion of  their  northern  boundary  interfered  with  their   just 
rights,  and  would  lead  to  great  embarrassment,  doubt  and 
uncertainty  ;   nay,  that  from  the  general  surface  of  the 
town  of  Flatbush,  being  an  inclined  plane,  gradually  slo- 
ping to  the  south,  such  a  construction  would  locate  their 
northern  boundary  in  the  town  of  Flatlands,  and  perhaps 
even  in  the  Bay,  or  waters  edge.     In  consequence  of  this 
difference,  the  matter  was  submitted  to  the  decision  of  the      ♦ 

Court  of  Sessions.     At   a   session  of  that  court,  held  at 

j 

Gravesend,  on  the  18th,  of  December,  1678,  the  subject  ; 
of  difference  was,  by  consent  of  both  towns,  referred  to  i 
Captain  Jaques  Cortelyou,  and  Captain  Richard  Stillwell, 
to  decide,  and  it  was  ordered  that  their  "  report  should  be 
determinative."  Messrs.  Cortelyou  and  Stillwell  complied 
with  the  requisition  of  the  court,  and  five  years  after- 
wards submitted  the  following  report. 

"  To  the  Worshipfull  Court  of  Sessions,  now  sitting  at 
Gravesend,  June  21st,  1683.  These  may  certific,  that  in 
obedience  to  an  order  from  said  court,  and  by  consent  of 
both  towns,  of  Brooklyn  and  Flatbush,  to  runnthe  line  be- 


39 

twixt  the  said  townes  which  are  we  underwritten  have 
done,  and  marked  the  trees  betwixt  towne  and  towne, 
as  wittnesse  our  hands,  the  daye  and  yeare  above  written, 

JACQUES  CORTELYOU, 
RICHARD  STILLWELL." 

One  of  the  trees  thus  marked  by  these  arbitrators  was 
a  large  white  oak,  standing  near  what  is  called  the  Port 
Road,  and  mentioned  in  the  Patent  granted  by  Governor 
Dongan,  as  one  of  the  boundaries  of  the  town.  This  tree 
remained  till  the  time  of  the  revolutionary  war,  when  it 
was  cut  down  by  the  Americans,  and  fallen  across  the 
road  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  the  British.  A  red 
free  stone  monument,  with  a  proper  inscription  has  subse- 
quently been  set  up,  at  and  near  the  stump  of  this  tree, 
(which  is  yet  in  existence)  by  General  Jeremiah  Johnson, 
on  the  part  of  Brooklyn,  and  John  C.  Vanderveer,  Esq.  on 
the  part  of  Flatbush.  But  unfortunately  the  stone  has 
been  so  defaced  by  certain  persons,  who  seem  to  take  de- 
light in  mutilating  every  thing,  that  only  a  few  letters  of 
the  inscription  can  now  be  decyphered. 

The  award  of  Messrs.  Cortelyou  and  Stillwell,  relative 
to  the  boundary  line,  notwithstanding  the  order  of  the 
court,  appears  not  to  have  been  "  determinative."  For 
in  the  next  year,  1684,  the  line  was  run  out  by  Philip 
Wells,  a  surveyor  of  Staten  Island,  and  Jacobus  Cortland, 
who  were  appointed  for  this  purpose,  by  the  two  towns. 

The  certificate  of  these  gentlemen,  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing :  "  To  satisffie  whom  itt  may  concerne,  that  I  be- 
ing with  Mr.  Jacobus  Cortland,  about  the  20th,  day  off 
November,  1684,  imployed  by  Breuckland  and  Fflack- 
bush,  to  vew  and  run  out  the  line  betweene  the  two 
townes,  to   the  south  of  the  hills,  found  that  the  line  run 


40 

f!brmerly  by  Capts.  Jaques  Cortelyou  and  Mr.  Stilwell, 
is  right  and  just,  which  wee  both  being  agreed,  give  in  our 
approbation  of  the  same. 

PHILIP  WELLS,  Surveyor:' 

Staaten-Island,  in  the  County  of  Richmond, 
this  4th,  day  of  April,  1687." 

Notwithstanding  this,  differences  continued  to  exist  for 
some  years  subsequently,  but  at  length  they  have  been 
amicably  settled,  upon  the  following  principles,  viz  :  That 
the  summit  of  the  hills  or  the  first  perceptible  southerly 
declivity  of  any  hill,  should  be  deemed  and  taken  as  the 
fixed  and  determined  line,  and  wherever  the  hills  are  cut 
off  or  interrupted  by  an  intervening  valley  or  hollow,  the 
boundary  line  should  extend  in  the  shortest  possible  direc- 
tion, from  the  summit  of  one  hill  to  that  of  the  opposite  one. 
In  conformity  with  this  determination,  proper  monuments 
have  been  placed  on  the  boundary  lines,  to  prevent,  if  pos- 
sible, all  future  disputes. 

At  an  early  period  distinctive  names  were  given  to  the 
several  parts  of  the  village  of  Flatbush.  The  north  end 
was  called  Steenraap  or  Stone  Gathering  ;  the  south  end, 
Rustenburgh,  or  resting  place  or  borough  ;  while  the  centre 
was  denominated  Dorp,  or  the  Town.  The  Dutch  words 
appropriated  to  either  end  of  the  village  were  appropriate, 
inasmuch  as  the  ground  on  the  north  end  of  the  town  con- 
tains many  small  stones,  on,  and  just  below  the  surface, 
while  comparatively  few  of  these  are  found  in  the  south 
end,  which  in  consequence  is  more  easy  to  cultivate.  In 
the  northern  section  of  the  town,  on  the  farm  now  in  posses- 
sion of  the  Widow  Lefferts,  were  erected  at  an  early  period, 
two  brick  kilns,  one  on  the  back  of  the  farm,  and  another 
near  the  large  pond,  not  far  from  the  main  road,  which  from 


^1 

this  circumstance  has  obtained  the  naipe  of  the  Stein 
Bakerie  Pond.  At  these  kilns  brick  were  burnt  for  the  use 
of  the  inhabitants,  but  only  small  remains  of  them  are  now 
to  be  seen. 

On  the  12th,  day  of  November,  1685,  the  inhabitants  of 
Flatbush  applied  to,  and  obtained  from  Colonel  Thomas 
Dongan,  the  fourth  English  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  a  confirmatory  Patent  for  the  whole  town,  including 
the  several  former  grants,  or  Patents  of  Midwout,  or  Flat- 
bush,  the  Canarsee  Meadows,  Keuters  Hook  and  Oustwout, 
or  New-Lots.     This  Patent  runs  thus,  to  wit : 

"  Thomas  Dongan,  Lieutenant  Governor  and  Vice- 
Admiral  of  New- York,  &c.,  under  his  majesty  James  the 
Second,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  King  of  England,  Scotland, 
France  and  Ireland,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c..  Supreme 
Lord  and  Proprietor  of  the  Colony  and  Province  of  New- 
York  and  its  dependencies  in  America.  To  all  to  whom 
these  presents  shall  come,  sendeth  Greeting  :  Whereas, 
there  is  a  certain  town  in  Kings  County,  upon  Long- 
Island,  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  Midwout,  alias, 
Flatbush,  the  bounds  whereof,  begin  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Fresh  Kill,  and  so  along  by  a  certain  Ditch  which  lies 
betwixt  Amersfort  and  Flatbush  Meadows,  and  so  running 
along  the  ditch  and  fence  to  a  certain  white  oak  marked 
tree,  and  from  thence  upon  a  straight  line  to  the  western- 
Bfiost  point  of  a  small  island  of  woodland  lying  before 
John  Stryker's  bridge  ;  and  from  thence  with  a  straight 
line  to  the  northwest  hook  or  corner  of  the  ditch  of  John 
Oakies  meadow  ;  and  from  thence  along  the  said  ditch 
and  fence  to  the  swamp  of  the  Fresh  Kill,  and  so 
along  the  swamp  and  hollow  of  the  aforesaid  Kill  to 
the   land   of  Keuter's  Hook  ;  thence  along  the  same  to  a 

marked  white  oak  tree ;  from  thence  with  a  straight  line 

4.* 


42 

to  B.  black  oak  marked  tree  standing  upon  the  northeast 
side  of  Twiller's  Flats,  hawing  a  small  snip  of  flats  upon 
the  southeast  side  of  the  line ;  and  so  from  thence  to  a 
white  oak  tree  standing  to  the  west  side  of  Moschito  Hole 
to  a  small  island,  leaving  a  snip  of  flats  in  the  Flatlands 
bounds;  and  from  thence  to  a  certain  marked  tree  or 
stump,  standing  by  the  highway  which  goes  to  Flatlands 
upon  the  Little  Flats,  about  twenty  rods  from  Flatbush 
Lots,  and  so  along  the  fence  six  hundred  Dutch  rods,  to  the 
comer  of  Flatbush  fence,  and  so  along  the  rear  of  the  lots 
to  a  sassafras  stump  standing  in  Cornelius  Jansen  Ber- 
rian's  lot  of  land ;  and  from  thence  with  a  straight  line  to  a 
certain  old  marked  tree  or  stump,  standing  by  the  Rush  Pond 
under  the  hills,  and  so  along  upon  the  south  side  of  the  hill 
till  it  comes  to  the  west  end  of  the  Long  Hill,  and  so  along 
upon  the  south  side  of  the  said  hill,  till  it  comes  to  the 
east  end  of  the  long  hill  ;  and  then  with  a  straight  line 
from  the  east  end  of  the  said  long  hill,  to  a  marked  white 
oak  tree,  standing  to  the  west  side  of  the  road,  near  the 
place  called  the  gate  or  port  of  hills  ;  and  so  from  the  east 
side  of  the  port  or  gate  aforesaid  upon  the  south  side  of  the 
main  hills,  as  far  as  Brooklyn  Patent  doth  extend  ;  and  so 
along  the  said  hills  to  the  bounds  of  Jamaica  Patent ;  and 
from  thence  with  a  southerly  line,  to  the  kill  or  creek  by 
the  east  of  the  Plunders  Neck,  and  so  along  the  said  kill  to 
the  sea,  as  according  to  the  several  deeds  or  purchases 
from  the  Indian  owners,  the  Patent  from  Governor  Nicolls, 
and  the  award  between  Brooklyn  and  the  town  of  Flatbush, 
relation  thereunto  being  had,  doth  more  fully  and  at  large 
appear ;  And,  whereas,  application  to  me  hath  been  made 
for  a  confirmation  of  the  aforesaid  tract  and  parcels  of 
land  and  premises :  Now  Know  ye,  that  by  virtue  of  the 
commission  and  authority  unto  me  given  by  his  majesty, 


43 

James  the  Second,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of  England,  Scot- 
land, France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith, 
Supreme  Lord  and  Proprietor  of  the  Province  of  New- 
York,  in  consideration  of  the  premises  and  the  quit  rent 
hereinafter  reserved,  I  have  given,  granted,  ratified  and 
confirmed,  and  by  these  presents,  do  give,  grant,  ratify  and 
confirm,  unto  Cornelius  Vanderwyck,  John  Okie,  Joseph 
Hegeman,  Aries  Jansen  Vanderbilt,  Lafibrd  Pieterson, 
William  Guilliamsen,  Hendrick  Williamse,  Pieter  Wil- 
liamse,  Arien  Ryers,  Peter  Stryker,  John  Stryker,  John 
Remsen,  Jacob  Hendricks,  Derick  Vandervleet,  Hendrick 
Ryck,  Okie  Johnson,  Daniel  Polhemus,  Peter  Lott,  Cor- 
nelius Vanderveer,  Derick  Johnson  Hooglandt,  Denise 
Teunis,  John  Johnson,  Ditimus  Lewis  Jansen,  William 
Jacobs,  Hendrick  Hegeman  and  Garrit  Lubbertse,  for  and 
on  the  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  associates,  all  the 
freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Flatbush, 
and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  all  the  before  recited 
tract  and  tracts,  parcel  and  parcels,  of  land  and  islands 
within  the  said  bounds  and  limits,  together  with  all  and 
singular,  the  woods,  underwoods,  plains,  hills,  meadows, 
pastures,  quarries,  marshes,  waters,  lakes,  causeways, 
rivers,  beaches,  houses,  buildings,  fishing,  hawking,  hunt- 
ing and  fowling,  with  all  liberties,  privileges,  heredita- 
ments and  appurtenances  to  the  said  tract  of  land  and 
premises  belonging,  or  in  any  wise  appertaining :  To  have 
and  to  hold  the  said  tract  of  land  and  premises  before 
mentioned,  and  intended  to  be  given,  granted  and  con- 
firmed, unto  the  said  Cornelius  Vanderwyck,  John  Okie, 
Joseph  Hegeman,  Aries  Jansen  Vanderbilt,  Lafibrd  Pie- 
terson, William  Guilliamsen,  Hendrick  Williamse,  Peter 
Guilliamsen,  Arien  Ryers,  Peter  Stryker,  John  Stryker, 
John  Remsen,  Jacob  Hendricks,  Derick  Vandervleet, 
Hendrick  Ryck,  Okie  Johnson,  Daniel  Polhemus,  Peter 


44 

Lott,  Cornelius  Vanderveer,  Derick  Johnson  Hooglandf, 
Denise  Teunis,  John  Johnson,  Ditimus  Lewis  Jansen, 
William  Jacobs,  Hendrick  Hegeman,  and  Garrit  Lub- 
bertse,  the  said  patentees  and  their  associates,  their  heirs 
and  assigns,  forever.  To  be  holden  of  his  majesty  in  free 
and  common  soccage,  according  to  the  tenure  of  East 
Greenwick,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  in  his  majesty's  king- 
dom of  England :  Yielding,  rendering,  and  paying  there- 
for, yearly,  and  every  year,  at  the  city  of  New- York,  unto 
his  majesty,  his  heirs  or  successors,  or  to  his  or  their  offi- 
cer or  officers,  as  by  him  or  them  shall  be  appointed  to  re- 
ceive the  same,  eighteen  bushels  of  good  merchantable 
wheat,  on  or  before  the  five  and  twentieth  day  of  March, 
yearly  and  every  year. 

"  In  Testimony  whereof,  I  have  caused  these  presents  to 
be  entered  upon  record,  in  the  Secretary's  office  in  the  said 
Province,  and  the  seal  thereof,  have  hereunto  affixed,  and 
signed  with  my  hand,  this  twelfth  day  of  November,  in  the 
first  year  of  his  majesty's  reign.     Anno  Domini,  1685. 

THOMAS  DONGAN." 

It  will  be  perceived,  that  by  the  above  recited  Patent 
granted  by  Governor  Dongan,  to  the  freeholders  and  inha- 
bitants of  the  town  of  Midwout  alias  Flatbush,  that  the  te- 
nure by  which  they  held  their  lands  is  denominated  a  te- 
nure "  in  free  and  common  soccage,"  The  tenures  of  lands 
which  were  authoratively  established  in  England,  in  the 
reicm  of  William  the  Conqueror,  were  principally  of  two 
kinds,  according  to  the  services  annexed.  They  were 
either  denominated  tenures  by  knight  service,  or  tenures  in 
free  and  common  soccage.  The  tenures  by  knight  service, 
in  which  the  services  were  occasionally  uncertain,  were 
altogether  of  a  military  nature,  and  esteemed  highly  hono- 
rable according  to  the  martial  spirit  of  the  times.     These 


45 

tenures  however,  in  addition  to  the  obligation  of  fealty  and 
the  military  services  of  forty  days  in  a  year,  were  subject 
to  certain  other  hard  conditions,  which  we  need  not  here 
enumerate,  but  which  gradually  rendered  them  more  and 
more  oppressive  and  increased  the  power  of  the  feudal 
lords.  At  length  upon  the  restoration  of  Charles  the  Se- 
cond, to  the  crown  of  Great  Britain,  the  tenure  by  knight 
service  with  all  its  grievous  incidents,  was  abolished  by 
law,  and  the  tenure  of  land  was,  for  the  most  part,  turned 
into  free  and  common  soccage,  and  every  thing  oppressive 
in  that  tenure  was  also  abolished. 

A  soccage  tenure  according  to  which  the  town  of  Mid- 
wout,  or  Flatbush,  was  patented,  denotes  lands  held  by  a 
fixed  and  determinate  service  which  is  not  military  nor  in 
the  power  of  the  lord  to  vary  at  his  pleasure.  It  was  the 
certainty  and  specific  nature  of  the  service,  duty,  or  rend- 
er, wiiich  made  this  species  of  tenure  such  a  safeguard 
against  the  wanton  exactions  of  the  feudal  lords,  and  ren- 
dered it  of  such  inestimable  value  in  view  of  the  ancient 
English.  It  was  deemed  by  them  a  point  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance, to  change  their  tenures  by  knight  service,  into  te- 
nures by  soccage. 

All  lands  granted  by  Patent  by  Governor  Dongan,  and 
the  other  subsequent  English  governors,  were  in  hee  and 
common  soccage,  and  subject  to  an  annual  render  or  rent 
charge,  called  quit  rent.  In  the  Patent  of  the  town  of  Mid- 
wout,  this  render  or  rent  charge  was  fixed  at  eighteen  bush- 
els of  good  winter  merchantable  wheat,  to  be  yielded,  ren- 
dered and  paid  yearly  and  every  year,  at  the  city  of  New- 
York,  on  or  before  the  25th,  of  March,  in  every  year  to  the 
king,  his  heirs  and  successors,  or  to  such  officer  or  officers 
as  he  or  they  should  appoint  to  receive  the  same.  This 
render  and  delivery  of  wheat,  was  regularly  and  annually 


46 

made  by  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  this  town,  to  an 
officer  residing  in  the  city  of  New- York,  appointed  to  re- 
ceive the  same,  and  styled  "  the  Receiver  General."  The 
quit  rent  continued  to  be  paid  in  kind,  till  it  became  more 
convenient  for  the  inhabitants  to  pay,  and  the  crown  to  re- 
ceive money,  in  the  place  of  wheat.  The  Receiver 
General  was  then  authorized  and  required  in  equity  and 
good  conscience,  to  estimate  the  standard  value  of  wheat  in 
money.  According  to  his  determination,  wheat  was  valued 
in  money,  at  four  shillings  and  eight  pence  a  bushel.  New- 
York  currency.  This  appears  to  have  been  the  standard 
value  thereof  for  years.  From  this  time  onward,  the  quit 
rents  of  the  town  were  regularly  paid  in  money,  according 
to  the  then  estimated  value  every  year,  until  the  25th,  day 
of  March,  1762.  Why  the  payments  were  not  regularly 
and  annually  continued,  from  and  after  that  time,  does  not 
appear.  The  delay  may  perhaps  be  ascribed  to  the  agita- 
tions then  existing  in  the  country,  caused  by  events 
M^hich  led  to  the  war  of  the  revolution. 

Soccage  tenures  are  however  considered  by  Chancellor 
Kent,  from  whose  commentaries  on  American  laws,  the 
above  recited  account  of  tenures  is  taken,  as  of  feudal  ex- 
traction, and  retain  some  of  the  leading  properties  of  feuds. 
But  most  of  the  feudal  incidents  and  consequences  of  soc- 
cage tenures  were  expressly  abolished  in  the  State  of  New. 
York,  shortly  after  the  termination  of  the  revolutionary 
war,  and  they  are  wholly  and  entirely  annihilated  by  the 
Revised  Statutes,  which  took  effect  on  the  1st,  of  January, 
1830.  But  soccage  lands  were  not  to  be  deemed  discharg- 
ed of  any  rents,  certain  or  other  services,  incident  or  be- 
longing to  tenure  in  soccage,  due  to  the  people  of  the  State 
(who  were  considered  to  stand  in  the  place  of  the  crown.) 
Therefore  on  the  1st,  day  of  April,  1786,  the  Legislature 


47 

of  this  State  passed  an  Act,  entitled  "  An  Act  for  the  collec- 
tion and  commutation  of  Quit  Rents."  By  this  act  it  is 
provided  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to,  and  for  every 
person  and  persons,  being  citizens  of  the  United  States,  who 
is,  or  shall  be  seized  of  any  lands,  or  tenements,  in  this 
State,  charged  with  an  annual  quit  rent,  to  commute  for 
the  same,  by  paying  fourteen  shillings  for  every  shil- 
ling, of  such  annual  quit  rent,  at  any  time  on  or  be- 
fore the  first  day  of  May,  1787,  in  any  public  secu- 
rities receivable  in  payment  on  sales  of  confiscated 
estates,  or  in  any  other  securities  or  certificates,  is- 
sued or  to  be  issued  by  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  and 
at  the  same  rate,  such  securities  and  certificates  are  re- 
ceivable in  payment  for  confiscated  estates,  to  the  Treasur- 
er of  this  State,  for  the  time  being,  for  the  use  of  the  people 
of  this  State  :  and  the  said  Treasurer  shall,  upon  such  pay- 
ment, give  the  person  making  such  payment  a  receipt  or 
certificate,  expressing  the  sum  paid,  the  annual  quit  rent 
in  lieu  of  which  the  same  is  paid,  and  the  land  on  which  the 
said  annual  quit  rent  was  charged  or  reserved,  and  shall 
enter  the  same  receipt  in  a  book,  by  him  to  be  kept 
for  that  purpose,  which  receipt  or  certificate,  or  the 
entry  thereof,  shall  be  a  good  discharge  of  such  quit  rent 
forever. 

Incompliance  whh  the  provisions  of  the  Act  above  recit- 
ed, the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Flatbush  purchased  pub- 
lic securities,  to  the  amount  of  £162.  9.  0.  which  amount 
they  paid  to  Gerard  Bancker,  the  Treasurer  of  the  State,  on 
the  18th,  day  of  December,  1786,  and  upon  the  payment 
thereof  obtained  from  him  the  following  receipt,  or  cer- 
tificate. 

"  Patent  granted  to  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush,  in  Kings 
County,  dated  12th  November,  1685,  Quit  Rent,  eighteen 
bushels  wheat  per  annum. 


4d 


years. 
Balance  due  25th,  March,  1765.       3  12  12. 

From  25th,  March,  1765, 

to  25th,  Decern,  1786.      y.  m. 

21  9 

(Deduct  for  the  period  of  revolution,)    8 


13  9  at  18  B.  Wt. 

pr.  Ann.  247^ "  6s.     74     5 

14  years  commut,  252    "  6s.     75  12 


£162  9  0. 


Received,  18th,  December,  1786,  from  Philip  Nagle, 
of  Flatbush,  Public  Securities,  which  with  the  interest  al- 
lowed thereon,  amount  to  one  hundred  and  sixty  two 
pounds,  nine  shillings,  in  full,  for  arrears  of  Quit  Rent, 
and  commutation,  for  the  future  quit  rents  that  would 
have  arisen  on  the  above  described  Patent. 

GERARD  BANCKER,  Treasurer." 

£162  9  00. 

The  town  of  Flatbush  upon  the  payment  of  the  above- 
mentioned  sum  of  money,  for  arrears  of  quit  rent,  and  com- 
mutation of  future  quit  rents  became  exhonerated  from  all 
further  exactions  on  the  score  of  such  rents. 

But  to  return  from  this  digression,  to  the  regular  histo- 
ry of  the  town  of  Midwout,  which  was  brought  down  to  the 
time  in  which  Governor  Dongan  administered  the  Coloni- 
al Government.  The  woodlands  still  remained  in  common 
and  undivided,  because  the  farms  previously  allotted,  had 
all  along  furnished  timber  sufficient  for  building,  fuel  and 
other  needful  purposes.  But  as  these  resources  began 
gradually  to  diminish,  it  became  necessary  as  well  asdic- 


49 

tated  by  prudence,  that  some  oider  should  be  taken  on  thfe 
partition  and  division  of  the  common  woodlands.  About 
the  year  1700,  these  lands  were  surveyed,  and  laid  olf  in 
separate  allotments  or  grand  divisions,  and  these  were  again 
severallysubdivided  into  forty-eight  smaller  allotments,cor- 
responding  with  the  original  division  of  the  town.  These 
smaller  allotments  were  all  laid  out  in  oblong  forms  with 
parallel  lines,  and  usually  containing  about  five  acres 
apiece.  Upon  the  completion  of  the  survey,  the  several 
wood  lots  were  allotted  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  in 
proportion  to  the  farm  lots  by  them  respectively  owned, 
and  the  church  drew  its  proportionate  share  with  the 
several  owners. 

The  meadows  had  been  previously  subdivided  into 
similar  lots,  and  allotted  in  like  manner,  with  the  excep- 
tion  of  one  lot  in  the  Canarsee  Meadows,  which  was  set 
apart  for  the  use  of  the  schoolmaster,  for  the  time  being. 
Corlaer'^  and  Twiller's  Flats,  so  called  after  the  names 
of  the  original  purchasers,  Anthony  Van  Corlaer  and  Wou- 
ter  Van  T wilier,  the  first  Dutch  governor,  were  also  pre- 
viously subdivided,  but  not  fully  alloted,  with  the  exception 
of  a  small  tract  of  woodland  lying  between,  and  adjoining 
these  Flats,  which  was  assigned  to  some  of  the  patentees, 
and  a  lot  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  school. 

About  the  year  1706,  an  encroachment  was  made  on 
the  patent  of  the  town  of  Flatbush,  by  inhabitants  of 
Newtown,  and  on  the  3d  day  of  April,  in  the  same  year, 
the  town  unanimously  agreed  that  every  patentee  should 
contribute  six  shilling  to  carry  on  and  pay  the  expenses  of 
a  law  suit,  in  defending  the  Patent  from  this  encroach- 
ment. From  this  time  forth  at  the  annual  town  meetings, 
two  persons  were  chosen  to  guard  the  interests  of  the  town 
in  regard  to  their  meets  and  bounds,  as  set  forth  in  their 

5 


50 

Patent.  These  were  called  "  Dorps  mannen,"  or  Towns- 
men, and  subsequently  Defenders  of  the  Patent.  This 
controversy  appears  not  to  have  been  satisfactorily  adjust- 
ed until  the  year  1721. 

Corlaer's  and  Twiller's  Flats,  remained  unoccupied 
until  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war.  They  were 
then  sold  by  the  proprietors  and  owners,  at  the  rate  of 
sixteen  dollars  per  acre.  The  proceeds  of  the  sale  of 
Corlaer's  Flats,  were  chiefly  devoted  to  the  erection  of 
"Erasmus  Hall  Academy,"  while  those  arising  from  the 
sale  of  Twiller's  Flats,  were  divided  among  those  who 
would  not  consent  to  relinquish  their  right  for  the  benefit 
of  the  academy,  in  reference  to  which,  chiefly  the  sales 
had  been  effected.  The  academy  was  greatly  benefitted 
by  this  sale,  but  we  shall  have  occasion  to  speak  more  at 
large  upon  this,  when  we  come  to  trace  the  Literary 
History  of  the  town. 

On  the  12th  of  November,  1695,  the  court  made  an 
order  requiring  each  of  the  towns  to  cause  to  be  im- 
mediately erected,  a  good  pair  of  stocks,  and  a  good  pound, 
by  which  it  seems,  they  were  resolved  to  keep  both  man 
and  beast  in  proper  subjection.  Whether  this  order  at 
the  time  was  strictly  complied  with  on  the  part  of  the 
town  of  Flatbush,  we  know  not.  But  twenty-nine  years 
after  this,  on  the  records  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of 
the  county,  under  date  of  the  17th  of  November,  1724, 
there  is  the  following  charge. 

"Toa  Stocks  for  Flatbush,  -  -  £1.9.6." 
These  stocks  remained  for  a  number  of  years.  They 
were  erected  in  front  of  the  court-house,  and  many 
will  remember  to  have  seen  them.  There  was  also  about 
these  same  premises,  a  whipping-post,  which  was  used 
partly  for  offenders  in  the  town,  and  partly  for  the  pun- 


51 

ishment  of  persons  convicted  of  small  crimes ;  for  there 
was  a  public  whipper,  whose  fee  was  fixed  for  a  year,  at 
three  pounds.  The  fee  for  whipping  one  person,  was 
three  shillings.  These  charges  frequently  appear  on  the 
Minutes  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors.  This  mode  of  pun- 
ishment was  not  in  that  day,  considered  improper  or  cruel, 
and  was  resorted  to,  probably,  partly  in  consequence  of 
the  number  of  slaves  which  were  then  held  by  the  several 
inhabitants,  who  were  kept  in  subjection  and  punished  for 
minor  offences,  in  this  summary  manner.  We  have  rea- 
son to  be  thankful  that  under  the  benign  influence  of  mild 
and  wholesome  laws,  this  remnant  of  the  reign  of  cruelty 
and  terror  has  passed  away. 

As  early  as  the  commencement  of  the  eighteenth  century, 
if  not  sooner,  a  public  brewery  was  established  in  the 
town.  The  principle  of  total  abstinence  from  all  that  can 
intoxicate  was  not  then  known  or  practiced,  and  beer  or 
malt  liquor  was  the  common  beverage  of  the  inhabitants, 
and  continued  to  be  so  until  the  orchards  were  planted  and 
came  into  full  bearing,  when  cider  became  a  substitute. 
The  brew-house  was  situated  in  the  southern  part  of  the 
town,  a  little  north  of  the  dwelling-house  of  the  late  Jacob 
Duryee  and  on  the  same  side  of  the  road.  It  is  presumed 
by  some  that  there  was  also  another  public  brewery  in  the 
north  of  the  town.  It  is  certain,  however,  that  there  were 
two  private  ones  ;  one  on  the  lot  of  the  late  Peter  Stryker 
back  of  the  store  now  occupied  by  Messrs.  Birdsall  & 
Aldworth,  and  another  on  the  property  of  Rem  Vander- 
bilt,  the  proprietor  of  the  farm  now  in  the  tenure  of  Mat- 
thew Clarkson,  Esq.  The  public  brewery  was  divided 
into  fourteen  shares,  which  were  subdivided  into  halves  and 
perchance  quarters.  These  rights  were  apportioned  to  the 
several  farms  and  considered  appurtenant  to  them,  and  en- 


52 

titled  the  proprietors  to  the  privilege  of  brewing  in  the  estab- 
lishment. These  rights  were  disposed  of  by  deed  or  testa- 
mentary devise.  A  will  is  in  existence  dated  as  late  as 
1773,  devising  the  right  of  the  testator  in  the  brewery  to 
his  son  ;  and  several  wills  and  deeds  of  early  date  are  to 
be  found,  containing  provisions  relative  to  the  same  subject. 
So  important  was  the  right  in  this  establishment  at  that 
time  deemed  by  the  proprietors.  The  public  brew-house 
continued  to  stand  until  after  the  close  of  the  American 
Revolution.  It  was  then  sold,  together  with  all  its  fix- 
tures, and  the  proceeds  divided  among  the  shareholders. 
We  may  here  briefly  advert  to  the  style  of  building,  and 
domestic  habits  of  the  early  inhabitants  of  Flatbush.  The 
designs  of  their  houses  were  probably  brought  from  Fa- 
derland.  They  were  chiefly  built  of  wood,  but  some  few 
of  brick,  which  was  manufactured  in  the  place.  They 
were  of  one  story,  either  with  an  overshot- roof,  both  in 
front  and  rear  forming  a  piazza — or  an  overshot  in  front, 
and  the  roof  in  the  rear,  extending  some  distance  back  until 
it  came  witliin  a  few  feet  of  the  ground.  A  specimen  of 
this  last  style  of  architecture  may  be  seen  in  the  house 
belonging  to  the  heirs  of  the  late  Cornelius  Antonides, 
which  is  probably  the  oldest  house  now  standing  in  the 
village.  The  rooms  inside  were  not  ceiled,  but  above 
were  the  broad  heavy  oak  beams  on  which  the  floor  of  the 
upper-part  of  the  house  was  laid.  The  fire-places  usual- 
ly were  very  large,  generally  extending  without  jambs  in 
width  sufficient  to  accommodate  the  whole  family  with  a 
seat  near  the  fire.  The  chimneys  were  very  large  and 
spacious,  sufficiently  so  to  admit  their  meat  to  be  hung  in 
them,  for  the  purpose  of  being  smoked,  which  was  the 
usual  practice.  When  jambs  were  added  to  any  fire- 
place, they  were  generally  set  round  with  earthen  glazed 


5S 

tiles,  which  were  imported  from  Holland  ornamented  with 
various  scenes,  some  of  which  were  of  a  Scriptural  cha- 
racter.    Many  of  these  were  quite  beautiful  and  gave  a 
very  ornamental   appearance  to  the  fireside,  as   well  as 
formed  the  means  of  much  amusement  and  instruction  to 
the  younger  part  of  the  family.     The   last  of  these  fire- 
places thus  ornamented  was  removed  when  the  house  of 
the  late  LefFerts  Martense  was  pulled  down,  to  give  place 
to  the  spacious  mansion  now  occupied  by  Judge  Garrit 
Martense.     To  many  of  the  houses  the  barns  also  were 
quite  closely  connected.     This  was  generally  the  case 
with  the   Renters.     This  style  of  building  corresponded 
with  the  habits  of  the   earlier  inhabitants.     These  were 
very   simple,    unaffected     and   economical.     No   people 
could  have   been   more    independent  than   they.     They 
brought  up  their  children  in  habits  of  industry.     As  has 
been  stated  every  son   was  taught  some  mechanical  art, 
and  every   daughter  was   required  to  become  well   ac- 
quainted with  all   household  duties.     The  farmers  burnt 
their  own  lime,  tanned  their  own  leather,  often  made  their 
own  shoes  and  boots,  and  attended  to  much  of  their  own 
carpentering,    and    wheel-wrighting.     While    the   males 
were  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  the  farms,  the  females 
were  actively  employed  in  some  industrious  avocations  in 
the  house.     The  spinning-wheel   was  set  in   motion    in 
every  family  as  soon  as  flax  and  wool  could  be  prepared 
in  the  fall,  and  all  materials  for  the  clothing  of  the  fam- 
ily, white  as  well  as  colored,  were  manufactured  at  home, 
nor  was  she  considered  a  suitable  candidate  for  matrimo- 
ny who  could  not  show  her  stores  of  domestic  linens  and 
other  evidences  of  industry  and  economy.     So  economical 
were  the  females  of  their  time,  that  they  almost  invariably 
took  their  spinning-wheels  with  them  when  they  went  to 

5* 


54 

spend  a  sociable  afternoon  with  a  neighbor.  Nor  did  they 
even  refuse  to  help  the  males  in  the  field  during  the  har- 
vest, the  gathering  of  corn,  and  other  busy  seasons.  It 
was  a  very  common  thing  for  them  to  be  seen  working 
side  by  side  with  their  husbands,  fathers  and  brothers,  at 
such  times.  The  modern  invention  of  a  dirt-cover,  as  it 
would  in  those  days  have  been  esteemed,  which  we  now 
call  a  carpet,  was  not  then  known.  The  floors  were  regu- 
larly scoured  and  scrubbed,  and  kept  as  white  and  clean 
almost  as  the  table.  They  were  sanded  with  beach  sand, 
of  which  every  family  always  had  a  sufficient  store,  it  be- 
ing the  rule  to  go  twice  a  year  to  the  beach  for  that  then, 
indispensable  article.  It  was  put  on  the  floor  with  great 
care  on  certain  days,  being  always  laid  in  small  lumps  or 
heaps,  and  the  members  of  the  family  were  required  very 
cautiously  to  tread  between  these  heaps  so  as  not  to  disturb 
the  economy  of  the  good  housewife.  When  on  the  next 
day  the  sand  had  become  dry,  it  was  swept  in  waves  or  some 
other  figures,  by  the  broom  being  drawn  lightly  over  it, 
and  was  in  truth  a  good  specimen  of  the  general  neatness 
and  cleanliness  which  pervaded  the  whole  premises. 
When  the  first  imported  carpets  were  introduced  we  know 
not,  l*ut  the  first  rag  carpet  was  made  about  fifty  years 
ago.  It  was  wove  by  Adrian  Hegeman  for  the  widow  of 
George  Martense,  the  mother  of  the  present  Mrs.  Catin. 
Frugality,  economy  and  industry,  characterised  all.  They 
lived  chiefly  within  themselves,  and  knew  but  little  of  the 
dangers  and  diseases  incident  to  luxury  and  indolence. 
And  well  would  it  be  for  the  present  age,  if  instead  of 
ridiculing  and  despising  them  they  practiced  more  of  their 
simple,  unaffected,  economical  habits.  For  one  I  love  to 
dwell  upon  them,  and  every  thing  connected  with  them  is 
interesting. 


55 

In  the  early  part  of  this  century  a  murder  was  com- 
mitted in  the  town,  and  in  fact  the  only  one  that  we  have 
any  account  of.  It  occurred  on  the  farm  now  in  the  ten- 
ure of  Mrs.  Catin.  The  dwelling-house  of  the  ancestor 
of  the  family  of  Martense,  who  possessed  a  very  extensive 
tract  of  land,  was  situated  on  the  rear  of  the  farm.  From 
his  owning  and  cultivating  so  large  a  quantity  of  land,  he 
was  called  by  way  of  distinction  Martin  De  Boer, 
(Martin  the  Farmer.)  He  built  a  new  house  on  the  main 
road  in  front  of  his  farm  near  the  site  of  the  present 
dwelling  of  Mrs.  Catin.  When  he  moved  to  this  house 
he  left  in  the  cellar  of  his  former  old  dwelling  an  Indian. 
This  person  it  appears  had  been  guilty  of  killing  some 
person  or  persons  on  Staten  Island.  In  consequence  of 
this,  certain  Indians  from  Staten  Island  came  toFlatbush, 
found  him  living  alone  in  the  cellar  of  the  house  which 
stood  separate  from  the  other  dwellings,  and  murdered  him 
— thus  glutting  their  revenge.  During  the  first  half  of  the 
last  century,  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush  were  chiefly  en- 
gaged in  certain  difficulties  of  an  ecclesiastical  character, 
and  during  the  latter  half  were  occupied  with  the  troubles 
growing  out  of  the  Revolutionary  struggle.  These  will 
be  made  the  subject  of  more  extended  notice  hereafter, 
and  we  pass  them  for  the  present. 

The  introduction  of  foreign  manures,  forms  an  era  in  the 
agricultural  history  of  the  town.  For  more  than  a  cen- 
tury the  farmers  depended  entirely  upon  their  barn  yards 
to  furnish  the  means  ofenriching  their  lands,  together  with 
such  quantities  of  shell  lime  as  they  could  manufacture  for 
themselves.  There  was  a  lime  kiln,  situated  not  far  from 
the  place  now  occupied  by  the  public  pound,  at  which, 
large  quantities  of  shells  were  burnt.  The  lime  thus  pro- 
cured^ was  spread  upon  the  ground,  and  tended,  no  doubt, 


56 

greatly  to  increase  its  productiveness.  But  a  short  time 
previous  to  the  American  Revolution,  the  attention  of  the 
farmers  was  called  to  foreign  manures,  particularly  to 
ashes.  The  first  that  was  introduced  into  the  village  was  by 
Jacobus  Van  Deventer.  He  brought  it  up  from  Brooklyn, 
in  bags.  It  was  tried  and  found  to  answer  a  good  purpose, 
and  then  three  other  persons,  viz.  John  LefTerts,  Cornelius 
Vanderveer,  and  Judge  Lott,  united  with  him  in  carting 
it  from  the  ferry.  It  could  then  be  purchased  as  a  very 
moderate  rate.  From  that  time  the  attention  of  the  farm- 
ers was  more  directly  turned  to  the  enrichino;  of  their 
lands,  and  vast  quantities  of  manures  of  various  kinds  have 
since  been  employed,  in  consequence  of  which,  tlie  land 
has  been  rendered  rich  and  fertile. 

In  the  year  1758  a  new  court-house  was  erected  in  the 
town.     The  first  edifice  was  quite  small,  and  was  a  dis- 
tinct building  from  the  jail.     One  of  these  buildings  took 
fire  in  the  winter  of  1757-8  and  burnt  to  the  ground,  the 
other  was  saved  chiefly  by  throwing  snow-balls  upon  it. 
It  was  however  subsequently  taken  down,  and  in  the  new 
building  which  was  put  up,  accommodations  were  made 
for  both  the  court  and  jail.    It  was  two  stories  high.    The 
lower  floor  was  divided  by  an  entry,  on  the  south  side  of 
which  was  a  room  for  the  use  of  the  jailoi',  and  on  the  north 
a  room  for  the  confinement  of  prisoners.   The  second  story 
was  fitted  up  in  a  large  room  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  courts  of  the  county.     During  the  Revolutionary  war 
the  British  officers  then  in  the  place  took  out  all  the  seats 
in  this   room   and  converted  it  into  a  ball-room.     This 
building  which  cost  £448,  remained  with  some  repairs,  un- 
til the  year  1792.     It  being  then  found  inconvenient,  too 
email,  and  much  out  of  repair,  a  new  one  was  erected 
which  was  placed  considerably  farther  back  on  the  lot, 


57 

and  was  of  much  larger  dimensions.     It  was  of  two  sto- 
ries,   and    planned   in   general  after  the    model    of  the 
old    one.       This     plan    was    drawn     by    Mr.    James 
Robinson,    and   is   called  in   the  minutes  of  the  Board 
of  Supervisors   "the    wooden   plan,"  from  the  fact   pro- 
bably  that   the  erection    was   to  be  a   frame    building. 
John  Vanderbilt,  Johannes  E.  Lott  and  Charles  Doughty, 
Esqs.,  were  first  appointed  the  Commissioners  to  superin- 
tend the  building  of  this  court-house  and  jail.     Mr.  Van- 
derbilt having    resigned  the  appointment,    Rutgert  Van 
Brunt,  was  afterwards  commissioned  in  his  place.     The 
old  building  was  then  sold  at  public  auction.     It  was  pur- 
chased by  Michael  Van  Cleef,  for  the  sum  of  seventy-one 
pounds.     The  timber  was  afterwards  bought  by  the  Rev. 
Martinus  Schoonmaker,  and  used  in  building  the  house 
lately  occupied  by  his  son,  Stephen  Schoonmaker.     The 
court-house  and  jail  was  completed  in  the  year  1793.     It 
was  a  very  respectable  looking  frame  building,  surmount- 
ed by  a  small   cupola.     The  jail,  however,  was  not  very 
secure  ;  several  escapes  were  made  from  it,  although  it 
was  often  repaired    and  strengthened.     On  the  30th  of 
November,  1832,  it  took  fire  from  some  unknown  cause, 
and  was  burnt  to  the  ground,  and  from  that  time  Flatbush 
ceased  to  be  the  county  town,  and  the   courts  and  all  ju- 
dicial business,  were  removed  to  Brooklyn. 

The  ancient  government  of  the  town  of  Flatbush  was  si- 
milar to  that  of  all  the  towns  under  the  administration  of 
the  Dutch  authority.  In  the  infancy  of  the  settlements, 
the  Governor  appointed  magistrates  in  the  several  villages, 
with  more  or  less  power,  as  he  judged  proper.  Usually 
these  public  officers  were  a  scout  or  constable,  a  clerk  and 
an  assessor,  all  of  which,  were  appointed  by  the  Govern- 
or.    The  duties  of  these  officers  consisted  in   preserving 


58 

the  peace,  and  regulating  the  police  of  the  town.     They 
appear  also  to  have  had  power  to  give  judgment  in  some 
cases  of  judicial  proceedings.     In  consequence  of  a  defi- 
ciency in  the  records  of  the  town,  we  are  not  able  to  give 
the  names  of  those  who  held  these  offices  during  the  dy- 
nasty of  New-Netherlands.     After  the  surrender  of  the 
the  colony  to  the  English,  in  1664,  and  the  adoption  of  the 
Dukes  Laws,  some  alterations  were  made  in  the  number 
and  character  of  the  town  officers.     It  was  then  ordered, 
that  in  addition  to  a  clerk,  each  town  should  elect  one  con- 
stable and  eight  overseers.     The  duties   of  the  constable 
were  laid  down  with  great  particularity.     They  were  to 
hold  town  courts,    with  the   overseers,  and  with  them  to 
make  assessments,  &c.  to  whip  or  punish  offenders,  raise 
the  hue  and  cry  after  murderers,  manslayers,  thieves,  rob- 
bers, burglars  :  and  also  apprehend  without  warrant,  such 
as  were  overtaken  with  drink,  swearing,  sabbath-breaking, 
vagrant  persons,  or  night  walkers,  "  provided  they  be  ta- 
ken in  the  manner,  either  by  the  sighte  of  the  constable, 
or  by  present  informacon  from  others  ;   as  alsoe  to  make 
searche  for  all  such  persons,  either  on  ye  sabbath  daye, 
or  other,  when  there  shall  bee  occation,  in  all    houses  li- 
censed to  sell  beere  or  wine,  or  any  other  suspected  or  dis- 
ordered places,  and  these  to  apprehend  and  keepe  in  safe 
custody,  till  opportunity  serves,  to  bring  them  before  the 
next  justice  of  ye  peace,  for  further  examinacon."     The 
constable   was   chosen  out  of  the  number  of  overseers, 
whose  term  of  service  had  expired. 

The  list  of  the  constables  will  be  given  subsequently. 

The  overseers  were  appointed  in  the  following  manner, 
according  to  the  provisions  of  the  Dukes  Laws.  "  Over- 
seers shall  be  eight  in  number,  men  of  good  fame  and  life, 
chosen  by  the  plurality  of  voiyos  of  the  freeholders  in  each 


59 

towne,  whereof  foure  shall  remaine  in  their  office  two 
yeares  successively,  and  foure  shall  be  changed  for  new 
ones,  every  yeare  ;  which  election  shall  preceed  the  elec- 
tion of  constables,  in  point  of  time,  in  regard  the  consta- 
ble for  the  yeare  ensuing,  is  to  bee  chosen  out  of  that  num- 
ber  which  are  dismist  from  their  office  of  overseers."  The 
following  is  a  summary  of  the  duties  of  the  overseers,  as 
stated  by  Judge  Furman,  in  his  notes  on  Brooklyn.  They 
were  authorized  together  with  the  constable,  to  hold  town 
courts,  for  the  trial  of  causes  under  £5.  On  the  death  of 
any  person,  they  were  to  repair  with  the  constable  to  the 
house  of  the  deceased,  and  inquire  after  the  manner  of  his 
death,  and  of  his  will  and  testament  ;  and  if  no  will  was 
found,  the  constable,  in  the  presence  of  the  overseers,  was, 
within  forty-eight  hours,  to  search  after  the  estate  of  the 
deceased,  and  to  deliver  an  account  of  the  same,  in  writing, 
under  oath,  to  the  next  justice  of  the  peace.  They  togeth- 
er with  the  constable,  made  all  assessments.  If  any  over- 
seer died  during  his  term,  the  rest  of  the  overseers  by  a 
major  vote,  made  choice  of  another  in  his  place  :  and  if  the 
person  so  chosen,  refuse  to  serve,  he  forfeited  the  sum  of 
£10.  towards  defraying  the  town  charges.  They  were  to 
settle  the  bounds  of  the  town,  within  twelve  months  after 
the  bounds  were  granted.  They  had  the  power  of  regu- 
lating fences.  They  were  authorized,  together  with  the 
constable,  to  make  choice  of  two  out  of  the  eight  overseers, 
of  church  affairs.  They  and  the  constable  were  frequent- 
ly to  admonish  the  inhabitants,  '•  to  instruct  their  children 
and  servants,  in  matters  of  religion,  and  the  lawes  of  the 
country."  They,  with  the  constable,  appointed  an  officer 
"  to  record  every  man's  particular  marke,  and  see  each 
man's  horse  and  colt  branded."  The  constable  and  two 
of  the  overseers,  were  to  pay  the  value  of  an  Indian  coat 


60 

for  each  wolf  killed  ;  and  they  were  to  cause  the  wolf's 
head  to  be  "  nayled  over  the  door  of  the  constable,  their  to 
remaine,  as  also  to  cut  of  both  the  eares,  in  token  that  the 
head  is  bought  and  paid  for." 

The  following  is  the  most  complete  list  of  the  overseers 
of  Flatbush  that  could  be  obtained. 

1675.  Simon  Hansen,  and  John  RolofFson. 

1676.  Arian  Ryers,  and  Garrit  Sneger. 

1679.  Joseph  Hegeman,  and  Derick  Jansen  Van  Vleet. 

1680.  Barent  Claas,  Cornelius  Berrian,   and  Joseph 

Hegeman. 

1681.  Cornelius  Berrian,  Rinier  Aeartsen,  Barthold 

Claases  and  Jan  Remsen. 

1682.  Rynier  Aeartsen,  Jan  Jansen,  Jan  Remsen  and 

Arian  Ryersen. 

1683.  Aris   Janse,  Jan    Aeartsen,  Jan  Jansen,    and 

John  Auky. 
In  the  year  1683,  the  "overseers,"  were  changed  to 
"  commissioners,"  The  act  regulating  their  appointment, 
and  prescribing  particularly  their  duties,  was  passed  by 
the  first  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony,  November  1st, 
1683.  It  is  not  necessary  to  recite  the  provisions  of  this 
act.  The  only  list  that  we  have  been  able  to  obtain  of  the 
commissioners  appointed  under  this  act,  in  the  town  of  Flat- 
bush,  is  the  following : 

1684.  Adrian  Ryersen,  Cornelius  Baronson  and  John 

Auky. 

1685.  Stoffle  Probasco,  and  Joseph  Hegeman. 

1686.  Arian  Ryers  and  Pieter  Stryker. 

1687.  Aris  Janse,  and  Stoflle  Probasco. 

1688.  Pieter  Stryker,  and  Cornelius  Bardulph. 

The    constables,  overseers   and  commissioners,    were 
sworn  before  the  court  of  Sessions,  before  they  entered 


61 

upon   the   discharge   of    the    duties   of  their   respective 
offices. 

The  office  of  "  Commissioner"  continued  until  the  first 
Tuesday  of  April,  1703,  when  "  Supervisors"  were  elected 
for  the  several  towns  of  Kings  County.     The  first  meeting 
of  this  board,  was  held  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  of 
I  the  same  year.     It  is  probable,   that  at  first  they  kept  no 
minutes  of  their  proceedings,  as  the  first  record  is  that  of 
a  meeting  which  took    place  at  the  court-house  in  Flat- 
bush,  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October,  in  the  year  1714. 
The  Supervisor  who  then  attended  from  Flatbush,  was 
Ryck  Hendrickson.     The  board  at  this,  their  first  record- 
ed meeting,  made  choice  of  Samuel  Garretson,  of  Graves- 
end,  as  their  Clerk,  and  John  Vanderbilt,  of  Flatbush,  as 
Treasurer  of  the  county.     At  that  time,  the  ordinary  and 
contingent   expenses   of  the  county,  (including  the  per 
diem  compen=!ation  of  the  two  members  of  the  Colonial 
Assembly  from   the  county,  for  their  attendance  during 
the  year  1703.)  amounted  to  only  £71.  0.  6.  or$177..56. 
This  sum  was  apportioned  among  the  several  towns  in  the 
county  in  the  following  manner. 

Brooklyn,  £19.  9.  3. 
Flatbush,  15.   1.  6. 

New-Utrecht  9.  18.  9. 
Flatlands,  8. 14.  9. 
Bushwick,  9.  3.  0. 

Gravesend,        8. 13.  3. 


£71.  0.  6.-8177.56. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  Supervisors  of  the  town 
of  Flatbush,  from  the  year  1703,  to  the  present  time. 

6 


62 


Names. 

Dates. 

Aris  Vanderbilt, 

From 

April 

,  1703  to 

Apr 

il  1705 

Daniel  Polhemus, 

a 

ii 

1705 

ii 

1706 

Jacob  Hendrick  Ryck, 

a 

ii 

1706 

a 

1707 

Aris  Jansen  Vanderbilt, 

u 

ii 

1707 

ii 

1708 

Jan  Vanderveer, 

ii 

ii 

1708 

a 

1710 

Benjamin  Hegeman, 

a 

ii 

1710 

a 

1711 

Ryck  Hendricks, 

a 

a 

1711 

a 

1712 

Jan  Cornel ise, 

a 

a 

1712 

ii 

1713 

Jacob  Hendrickson, 

ii 

ii 

1713 

a 

1714 

Ryck  Hendrickson, 

a 

a 

1714 

ii 

1715 

John  Vanderveer, 

u 

ii 

1715 

a 

1716 

Daniel  Remse, 

u 

a 

1716 

a 

1717 

Jacob  Suydam 

(( 

a 

1771 

a 

1718 

Dominicus  Vanderveer, 

ii 

ii 

1718 

ii 

1719 

Lieut.  Philip  Nagle, 

u 

a 

1719 

ii 

1720 

Cornelius  Cornell, 

u 

ii 

1720 

ii 

1721 

Abraham  Lott, 

(( 

ii 

1721 

a 

1722 

Ryck  Hendrickson, 

« 

ii 

1722 

ii 

1723 

John  Vanderveer, 

i( 

a 

1723 

a 

1724 

Cornelius  Cornell, 

i( 

ii 

1724 

ii 

1726 

Peter  Lefferts, 

(( 

a 

1726 

a 

1727 

Johannes  Ditmarse, 

ii 

a 

1727 

ii 

1728 

Ryck  Suydam, 

ii 

ii 

1728 

a 

1741 

John  Van  Kerk, 

ii 

ii 

1741 

a 

1743 

Peter  Stryker, 

n 

ii 

1743 

ii 

1744 

John  Van  Kerk, 

n 

ii 

1744 

ii 

1749 

Dominicus  Vanderveer, 

ii 

ii 

1749 

ii 

1751 

Johannes  Lott,  Jun. 

(( 

Oi 

1751 

ii 

1759 

Jeremias  Vanderbilt, 

ii 

a 

1759 

a 

1763 

Johannes  Lott,  Jun. 

ii 

ii 

1763 

a 

1782. 

Philip  Nagel, 

(( 

a 

1782 

li 

1787. 

63 

Johannes  J.  Lott,  From  April,  1787  to  April  1804. 

John  C.  Vanderveer,  "         "     1804         "       1832. 

John  WyckofF,  "  "     1832  to  Feby.  1837. 


Isaac  Cortelyou, 

From    Febry.   1837         "       1839 

Jacob  Rapelje, 

"         "     1839  toApl.   1841 

Isaac  Cortelyou, 

"    April  1841         '•       1842 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  Town  Clerks  of  the  town 
of  Flatbush,  from  the  year  1659,  to  the  year  1842. 

Names. 

Adrian  Hegeman,  from 

Jacop  Joosten,  '• 

Francays  De  Bruynne,  " 

Michael  Hainelle,  " 

Jan  Gerrit  Van  Marckje,  " 

Derick  Storm,  " 

Johannes  Van  Eklen,  " 

Johannes  Schenck,  " 

Abraham  Lott,  " 

Jan  Gancell,  " 

Adrian  Hegeman,  " 

Jores  Remsen,  " 

Jeremias  Van  Der  Bilt,  " 
Petrus  Van  Steenbergh 
John  LefTerts, 
Philip  Nagle, 

John  Van  Der  Bilt,  « 

John  C.  Vanderveer,  " 
Garret  Stryker, 

Abraham  Vanderveer  " 

Garret  Stryker,  " 

Adrian  Hegeman,  " 


u 


II 


n 


Dates. 

1659 

to 

1771 

1671 

u 

1673 

1673 

ii 

1674 

1674 

u 

1675 

1675 

u 

1680 

1680 

u 

1683 

1683 

ii 

1700 

1700 

li 

1711 

1711 

ii 

1716 

1716 

ii 

1719 

1716 

ii 

1741 

1741 

i( 

1754 

1754 

ii 

1762 

1762 

ii 

1773 

1773 

ii 

1776 

1776 

ii 

1792 

1792 

ii 

1794 

1794 

ii 

1804 

1804 

ii 

1810 

1810 

ii 

1816 

1816 

ii 

1819 

1819 

ii 

1823- 

64 

, 

William  Ellsworth, 

From 

1823 

to 

1827 

William  Hegeman, 

(( 

1827 

u 

1828 

John  A.  Lott, 

(( 

1828 

(( 

1842 

The  following  is  the  mosi  complete  list  of  the  Consta- 
bles of  the  town  of  Flatbush,  that  could  be  obtained  from 
the  year  1669,  to  the  year  1842. 


Names. 


From 


li 


a 


u 


it 


u 


(( 


Jacob  Stryker, 

Bartholf  Clairesen, 

Cornelius  Barentse, 

Minne  Johannes, 

Cornelius  Jansen, 

Joseph  Hegeman, 

Cornelius  Jansen  Berrian,  " 

Rien  Aeartsen,  " 

Cornelius  Barentse, 

Rinier  Aeartsen, 

Jan  Ditmarsen 

Simon  Hanssen 

Pieter  Stryker, 

Daniel  Polhemus 

Jan  Bennem, 

Jacob  Van  Der  Boergh 

Jan  Bennem, 

Jacob  Van  Der  Boergh 

Jan  Bennem, 

Hendericus  Kip, 

John  Van  Der  Veer,    > 

John  Bennet,  Dep.      ^ 

Cornelius  Cornell, 


(( 


(( 


a 


u 


u 


uaies 

:i 

1669 

to 

1670. 

1670 

u 

1675. 

1675 

(( 

1676. 

1676 

(( 

1679. 

1679 

u 

1681. 

1681 

(( 

1682. 

1682 

u 

1683. 

1683 

(( 

1685. 

1685 

u 

1686. 

1686 

u 

1687. 

1687 

(( 

1688. 

1688 

u 

1689. 

1689 

a 

1690. 

1690 

A 

1705 

(( 

1707. 

1707 

(( 

1708. 

1708 

u 

1709. 

1709 

<( 

1710. 

1710 

u 

1713. 

1713 

(( 

1716. 

1716 

u 

1717; 

1717 

a 

1718. 

65 


Johannes  Symonsen, 

From 

1718 

to 

1719 

Isaac  Snedecker, 

ii 

1719 

(I 

1720 

Jan  Bennet 

a 

1720 

a 

1721 

Jan  Walderom, 

n 

1721 

11 

1722 

Abraham  Lott, 

ii 

1722 

11 

1723 

Joris  Bloom, 

li 

1723 

ii 

1724 

Peter  Luyster, 

li 

1724 

li 

1725. 

Johannes  Lott, 

<c 

1725 

11 

1726. 

Isaac  Lefferts, 

ii 

1726 

u 

1727. 

Lawrence  Ditmarse, 

ii 

1727 

(( 

1728. 

Jacob  Remsen, 

ii 

1728 

u 

1729. 

Johannes  Ditmarse, 

li 

1729 

ii 

1730. 

Robert  Betts, 

a 

1730 

ii 

1731. 

Philippus  Nagel, 

ii 

1731 

11 

1732. 

Nicholas  Wyckoff, 

a 

1732 

li 

1733. 

Gilliam  Cornell, 

a 

1733 

11 

1734. 

Peter  Stryker, 

a 

1734 

ii 

1735. 

Nicholas  Stillwell, 

(I 

1735 

ii 

1736. 

Jacob  Boerum, 

ii 

1736 

11 

1737. 

Joseph  Benham, 

c  " 

1737 

11 

1738. 

Cornelius  Suydam, 

ii 

1738 

11 

1739. 

Nicholas  Andriesen, 

ii 

1739 

11 

1740. 

Garret  Van  Duyn, 

(I 

1740 

11 

1742. 

Jeremias  Van  Der  Bilt, 

ii 

1742 

11 

1743. 

Jan  Laen, 

a 

1743 

ii 

1745. 

Thomas  Doxse, 

a 

1745 

il 

1746. 

Cornelius  Van  Cleeff, 

ii 

1746 

ii 

1748. 

Leffert  Lefferts, 

" 

1748 

il 

1749. 

Aris  Morffee, 

ii 

1749 

11 

1751. 

Adriaen  Hegeman, 

li 

1751 

ii 

1769. 

Vincentius  Antonides, 

ii 

1769 

li 

1791. 

William  Merrill, 

a 

1791 

il 

1792. 

William  x\llireo, 

11 

1792 

1 1 

1794. 

6* 


66 

William  Merrill,  From 

William  Allgeo,  " 

William  Merrill,  " 

Michael  Van  Cleeff,  " 

Rem  Hegeman,  " 

William  Allgeo,  " 
Suydam  Hegeman, 


a 


1794 

to 

1795". 

1795 

1796, 

1796 

1797. 

1797 

1810. 

1810 

1815. 

1815 

1840. 

1840 

1842. 

From  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Flatbush, 
the  county  have  selected  at  different  times  many  individu- 
als to  fill  their  county  offices,  as  well  as  to  represent 
them  in  the  legislative  assemblies  of  the  country.  From 
the  year  1714,  at  which  date  the  first  minutes  of  the 
Board  of  Supervisors  of  the  county  commence,  till  the 
3'ear  1840,  the  treasui'ers  of  the  county  were,  with  one 
exception,  residents  in  the  town  of  Flatbush.  The  fol- 
lowing is  a  list  of  the  individuals  who  have  served  in  this 
responsible  office : — 

.Tohn  Vanderbilt,  of  Flatbush,  from  October,  1714,  to 

to  October,  1737. 
Peter  Lefferts,   of  Flatbush,    from  October,  1737,   to 

October,  1772. 
Jeremias  Vanderbilt,  of  Flatbush,  from  October,  1772, 

to  May,  1786. 
Philip  Nagel,  of  Flatbush,  from  May,    1786,  to  June, 

1792. 
Johannes  J.  Lott,  of  Flatbush,  from  June,   1792,  to  De- 
cember, 1806. 
Hendrick  J.  Lott,  of  Flatlands,  from  December,  1806, 

to  October,   1811. 
John    Lefferts,  of   Flatbush,  from    October,    1811,   to 

September,  1813. 
John  C.   Vanderveer,  of  Flatbush,    from   September, 
1813,  to  August,  1837. 


67 

John  A.    Lott,  of  Flatbush,   from   August,   1837,    to 

August,  1840. 
John   Skillman,  of  Brooklyn,    from   August,  1840,  to 

August,  1842. 

The  following  is  a  specimen  of  the  usual  Minute  of 
the  Board  of  Supervisors,  in  the  former  part  of  the  last 
century,  relative  to  auditing  the  accounts  of  their  Trea- 
surer.    It  is  full,  unique  and  characteristic  of  the  age. 

"  The  Supervisors  have  examined  their  Treasurer  and 
called  in  their  warrants,  and  have  taken  the  reckonings 
of  their  Treasurer,  John  Vanderbilt,  and  found  that  he 
had  done  as  an  honest  man,  and  he  is  acquitted  of  all 
reckonings  concerning  the  Supervisors,  and  is  in  Cassa  or 
money,  the  sum  of  £00.  06.  4." 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Board  of 
Supervisors,  from  1714  to  1842. 

1714  to  1715,  Samuel  Garritson,  Gravesend. 

1715  to  1724,  J.  M.  Sperling,  Flatbush. 

1724  to  1725,  Adrian  Hegeman,  " 

1725  to  1727,  J.  M.  Sperling,  " 
1727  to  1752,  Adrian  Hegeman,                     '< 
1752  to  1775,  Simon  Boerum,  Brooklyn. 
1775  to  1782,  Johannes  Lott,  Flatbush. 
17^82  to  1784,  Johannes  J.  Lott,                      " 

1784  to  1785,  Nicholas  Couwenhoven,    New-Utrecht. 

1785  to  1801,  Jacob  Sharpe,  Jr.,  Brooklyn. 
1801  to  1842,  Jeremiah  Lott,  Flatbush. 

Among  the  Judges  of  this  county  anterior  to  the  Ameri- 
can Revolution,  we  find  the  following  from  Flatbush. 

Cornelius  Sebring,  from  1715     to     1718. 


68 


Peter  Stryker,         from  1720  to  1722. 

Daniel  Polhemus,      "  1722  to  1724. 

Ryck  Suydam,           "  1732  to  1739. 

Johannes  Lott,            "  1742  to  1745. 

Abraham  Lott,           "  1745  to  1749. 

John  Lefferts,             "  1761  to  1777. 

Philip  Nagel,             "  1770  to  1777. 

Englebert  Lott  and 
Jeremiah  Vanderbilt, 


1777     to    1780. 


After  the  Revolution,  the  second  first  Judge  of  the 
county,  was  Johannes  E.  Lott,  of  this  town.  He  remain- 
ed upon  the  bench  about  six  years.  Beside  these  several 
associate  judges  of  the  court,  have  from  time  to  time  been 
taken  from  Flatbush,  which  we  need  not  name. 

But  among  those  who  have  represented  this  county  in 
the  Legislative  Assemblies  of  the  country,  we  find  many 
who  were  inhabitants  of  Flatbush.  In  the  Colonial  as- 
semblies, who  met  at  different  periods,  from  1683  to  1775, 
we  notice  the  following  names. 

Johannes  Van  Ecklen,    from  1693 

Henry  Filkin,  " 

Cornelius  Se bring,  " 

Gerardus  Beekman,  " 

Cornelius  Sebring,  " 

Johannes  Lott,  " 

Abraham  Lott,  " 
Dominicus  Venderveer,    " 

Among  the  Deputies  from  the  county  of  King,  who  met 
in  the  city  of  New-York,  in  convention,  April  10th,  1775, 
for  the  purpose  of  choosing  delegates  to  the  first  Continen- 
tal congress,  was  John  Vanderbilt,  who  from  his  being 
subsequently  a  member  of  the  Senate  of  the  State,  was 


1693 

to 

1698. 

1694 

to 

1695. 

1695 

to 

1698. 

1698 

to 

1699. 

1699 

to 

1726. 

1727 

to 

1761. 

1737 

to 

1750. 

1750 

to 

1759. 

69 

called  Senator  John,  to  distinguish  him  from  Judge  Johiv 
Vanderbilt.  Among  the  delegates  chosen  by  this  conven- 
tion, to  represent  this  county  in  that  congress,  were  no 
less  than  three  from  this  town,  viz  :  Johannes  Lott,  John 
Lefferts,  and  John  Vanderbilt.  These  delegates  conven- 
ed at  New- York,  on  the  22d,  of  May,  1775,  and  contin- 
ued to  meet  at  different  places,  from  time  to  time,  till  the 
adoption  of  the  Constitution  of  the  State,  in  April,  1777. 
John  Lefferts  of  this  town,  was  also  a  member  of  the  Pro- 
vential  Congress,  from  this  county,  which  met  on  the  30th, 
day  of  June,  1776.  His  son  Peter  Lefferts,  whose  wi- 
dow still  survives,  was  one  of  the  two  delegates  from  this 
county,  to  the  convention  which  met  at  Poughkeepsie,  on 
the  27th,  day  of  June,  1778,  to  adopt  the  constitution  of 
the  United  States.  He  was  subsequently  also  a  member 
of  the  Senate  of  Jthis  State,  in  which  he  appeared  in  a  suit 
made  entirely  of  homespun  cloth,  but  of  so  fine  a  texture 
and  finish,  that  it  attracted  special  notice.  His  son,  John 
Lefferts,  whose  widow  is  still  spared  to  us,  was  a  member 
of  Congress,  from  this  district,  and  also  a  delegate  to  the 
convention  of  1821,  which  met  for  amending  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  State. 

Several  persons  have  been  selected  from  this  town  to- 
represent  the  county  of  Kings,  in  the  Assembly  of  the 
State,  since  the  Revolution. 

In  1784  Johannes  E.  Lott, 

"  1785-6  John  Vanderbilt, 

'•'  1787-8  Cornelius  Wyckoff, 

"  1789-91  Aquila  Giles, 

"  1793  Aquila  Giles, 

'•  1802  JohnC.  Vanderveer, 

"  1811  to  1813  JohnC.  Vanderveer, 

"  1814  Jeremiah  Lott, 


70 

In  1815  Teunis  Schenck, 

"  1816  &  1817  Richard  Fish, 

"  1819  &  1820  Teunis  Schenck, 

"  1821  &  1822  Jeremiah  Lott, 

"  1829  John  WyckofF, 

"  1839  Jeremiah  Lott,  '{ 

"  1842  John  A.  Lott. 


1840,  inclusive. 

Years- 

Population 

1810, 

1,159. 

1820, 

1,062. 

1825, 

1,027. 

1830, 

1,049. 

1835, 

1,143. 

1840, 

1,537. 

1817, 

$368,057. 

$34,399, 

$403,056. 

1818, 

367.107. 

32.633. 

399.739. 

1819, 

384.657. 

162.904. 

547.561. 

1820, 

363.358. 

14L050. 

504.408. 

1821, 

357.238. 

115.990. 

473.228. 

1822, 

355.713. 

117.795. 

473.508. 

1823, 

320.158. 

102.365. 

422.523, 

y^ 


Statement  of  the  population  of  the  Town  of  Flatbush, 
including  New-Lots,  from  the  year  1810,  to  the   year 


Statement  of  the  aggregate  valuations  of  real  and  per- 
sonal estates,  in  the  Town  of  Flatbush,  including  New- 
Lots,  as  revised  and  corrected  by  the  Board  of  Supervi- 
sors of  the  county  of  Kings,  from  the  year  1817,  to  1841, 
inclusive. 

Year.  Real  Estate.     Personal  Estate.    AggH  Valuation. 


71 


1824, 

301.300. 

88.930. 

390,230. 

1825, 

325.402. 

93.140. 

418  542. 

1826, 

317.714. 

89.330. 

407.044. 

1827, 

331.892. 

90.480. 

422.372. 

1828, 

319.840. 

84.638. 

404.478. 

1829, 

325.665. 

83.580. 

409.245. 

1830, 

321.310. 

73.900. 

395.210. 

1831,. 

314.301. 

62.050. 

376.351. 

1832, 

316.396. 

68.300. 

384.696. 

1833, 

319.640. 

64.475. 

384.115. 

1831, 

387.601. 

62.450. 

450.051. 

1835, 

822.120. 

144.850. 

966.970. 

1836, 

833.970. 

167.150. 

1.001.120. 

1837, 

836,035. 

167.250. 

1.003.285. 

1838, 

860.495. 

168.000. 

1.028.495. 

1839, 

877.630. 

181.850. 

1.059.480. 

1840, 

880.055. 

220.500. 

1.100.555. 

1841, 

899.900. 

218.500. 

1.118.400. 

Thus  have  we  sketched  some  of  the  leading  facts,  rela- 
ting to  the  civil  history  of  the  town  of  Flatbush.  We 
cannot  but  mark  the  good  hand  of  providence  in  all.  He 
has  favored  the  spot  with  health ;  rendered  its  soil  fertile  ; 
and  prospered  its  inhabitants.  The  latter  have  steadily 
pursued  the  even  tenor  of  their  way,  and  while  they  have 
enjoyed  liberally  the  gifts  of  a  benificent  providence, 
have  advanced  in  wealth  and  solid  comforts.  While  in 
other  sections  of  our  country,  the  lands  possessed  by  the 
original  proprietors,  have  passed  from  their  descendants  ; 
here,  but  few  farms  comparatively,  have  changed  hands  ; 
the  spirit  of  roving  not  having  been  cherished.  Most  of 
the  farms  are  still  in  the  possession  of  the  descendants  of 


72 


the  first  patentees  and  proprietors.  Numerous  families 
in  the  town  too,  can  trace  back  their  genealogy  to  the 
early  settlement  of  the  place.  May  they  continue  to  em- 
ulate the  virtues  of  their  fathers,  and  go  on  in  the  enjoy- 
ment  of  the  good  land  which  God  has  given  them,  thank- 
ing Him,  that  "  the  lines  have  fallen  to  them  in  pleasant 
places,  and  that  they  enjoy  so  goodl}'  a  heritage." 


4 


tee, 
'k 
tervi 
fed 
tlieu 


.1 1 


I 


ECCLESIASTICAL    HISTORY. 


In  commencing  the  Ecclesiastical  History  of  Flatbush, 
it  is  proper  to  premise,  that  as  all  the  early  settlers  of  this 
and  the  neighboring  towns,  came  from  Holland,  they  were 
united  in  one  religious  faith.  They  all  professed  the  doc- 
trines, and  order,  which  were  established  by  the  national 
Synod,  which  met  at  Dordrecht,  in  the  year  1618-19. 
This  Synod  was  summoned  by  the  authority  of  the  Staats 
General  of  Holland,  and  was  attended  by  the  most  emi- 
nent divines  of  the  United  Provinces,  and  deputies  from 
the  reformed  churches  of  England,  Scotland,  Switzerland, 
Bremen  and  other  places.  Seldom,  if  ever,  has  a  more 
learned,  pious  and  venerable  assembly  convened.  The 
early  inhabitants  of  the  west  end  of  Long  Island,  received 
as  the  symbols  of  their  faith,  the  Belgic  Confession, 
the  Heidleburgh  Catechism,  and  the  Canons  of  this  Sy- 
nod. But  as  there  was  no  ecclesiastical  organization  iii. 
this  country,  at  that  time,  they  were  placed  under  the 
the  oversight  and  authority  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
to  whom  the  interests  of  all  the  Dutch  and  German 
churches  in  America  were  confided.  A  standing  com- 
mittee was  appointed  by  this  Classis,  called  the  commit- 
tee ad  extcras  and  sometimes  ad  res  maritimas  to  whom 
the  affairs  of  these  churches  were  referred,  during  the  in- 
tervals of  session  by  the  Classis.  This  committee  mana- 
ged all  the  correspondence  with  these  churches,  provided 
them  with  ministers,  and  gave  them  such  counsel  as  they 

7      • 


74 

needed.  This  arrangement  continued  until  the  year  1772, 
when  the  organization  of  the  present  Reformed  Dutch 
Church,  in  this  country  took  place,  and  independent 
Classes  and  Synods  were  established,  on  the  model  of  the 
church  in  Holland.  On  Long-Island,  each  town  had  its 
own  consistory,  or  bench  of  church  officers  ;  but  all  the 
churches  in  Kings  county  were  combined,  and  constituted 
one  charge,  for  the  period  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
years.  Their  ministers  were  colleagues  ;  preached  in 
turn  in  all  the  churches,  and  drew  their  salaries  in  cer- 
tain fixed  proportions  from  the  several  congregations. 
The  place  of  their  residence  was  Flatbush. 

Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Flatbush. 

Although  it  is  known  that  the  inhabitants  of  Long- 
Island  had  among  them  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  at  a 
very  early  date,  yet  the  first  account  of  building  a  church, 
is  not  till  the  year  1654.  On  the  15th  of  December,  of 
that  year.  Governor  Stuyvesant  issued  an  order  appoint- 
ing the  Rev.  Mr.  Megapolensis,  who  was  one  of  the  min- 
isters of  New-Amsterdam ;  John  Snedicor  and  John 
Stryker,  commissioners  to  build  a  church  at  Midwout. 
On  the  13th  of  October,  in  the  same  year,  it  appears  that 
an  order  was  passed  by  the  Governor,  who  seems  to  have 
exercised  a  controlling  power  in  ecclesiastical  as  well  as 
civil  and  military  affairs,  penniUing  the  Rev.  Johannes 
Theodorus  Polhenms,  a  minister  of  the  Reformed  Church 
of  Holland,  to  preach  at  Midwout  and  Amersfort,  (or 
Flatlands.)  The  spot  selected  for  the  building  of  the 
church,  was  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  present  build- 
ing. The  order  of  the  Governor,  directed  that  it  should 
be  sixty,  or  sixty-five  feet  long,  twenty-eight  feet  broad, 
and  from  twelve  to  fourteen  feet  under  the  beams  ;  that 


-"*    Jv-V'^'Sr-  '5'  '''"^*'''^   ■■■■ 


•i^^A^^^-  —f"' 


'"  "      V 


<rJ^- 


to 

it  should  be  built  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  and  that  the  rear 
should  be  reserved  for  the  ministei's  dwelling.  It  is  most 
probable  that  this  building,  which  was  the  first  church 
erected  in  the  county,  was  of  wood,  and  that  it  was  com- 
menced, if  not  completed,  in  the  succeeding  year.  For  on 
the  9th  of  February,  1655.  the  Governor  ordered  the  inha- 
bitants of  Brooklyn  and  Amersfort,  which  were  then  con- 
nected together,  with  Flatbush,  as  one  pastoral  charge, 
and  continued  so  for  a  number  of  years,  to  assist  the  peo- 
ple of  Midwout  in  cutting  timber  to  build  their  house  of 
worship.  The  entries  in  the  Deacons  book  of  the  church 
of  Flatbush,  of  collections  taken  up  on  the  Sabbath  com- 
mence on  the  first  Sabbath  of  January,  1655,  and  these 
entries  are  regularly  continued,  at  intervals  of  seven  days, 
from  that  time  forward.  From  this,  it  is  evident  that  di- 
vine service  was  statedly  performed  on  every  Sabbath 
after  that  period,  in  Flatbush.  How  long  previously  to 
this  time  this  was  the  case,  cannot  be  ascertained.  Nor 
is  there  any  record  by  which  it  can  be  known,  when  the 
first  Consistory  was  ordained  and  the  church  organized. 
But  it  appears  from  subsequent  minutes,  that  until  the 
year  1681,  the  Consistory  consisted  of  only  two  Elders 
and  two  Deacons. 

In  September,  1660,  those  who  had  the  charge  of 
erecting  the  building,  reported  that  it  had  cost  4,637  guil- 
ders, or  about  $1,800.  Of  this  sum,  a  very  considerable 
amount  was  collected  by  voluntary  subscription,  in  New- 
Amsterdam,  Fort  Orange,  (now  Albany,)  and  in  the  dif- 
ferent settlements  on  Long-Island.  An  account  of  these 
several  subscriptions,  is  still  preserved  in  the  records  of 
the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Flatbush.  It  is  as 
follows  : — 


Guilders. 

Stiv( 

90 

50 

1,876 

3 

35 

10 

112 

10 

120 

17 

10 

427 

588 

76 

''  To  the  buildino;  received." 
From  Fort  Orange, 

"      Esopus, 

"       New-Amsterdam, 

"       Gowanus, 

*'       Brooklyn, 

"       Amersfort, 

"       New-Utrecht, 

<'       Midwout, 

"       E.  (India  probably,)  Company, 

"       the   fii'st    preaching,    (collection 

probably,)  90 

"       The    Hon.    Fiscal,  or   Attorney 

General,  30 

"       Also,  in  addition,  113 

"       Marriage  Fees,  43 

"       Hempstead,  by  bequest,  50 

To  aid  in  liquidating  the  debt  which  still  remained  upon 
the  building,  the  Governor  himself,  contributed  400  guil- 
ders,  leaving  still  a  balance  of  800  against  the   church. 

From  the  Dutch  Records  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of 
State  at  Albany,  we  gather  the  following  facts.  "  On 
the  6th,  of  August,  1655,  the  Governor  ordered  the  She- 
riff, to  convene  the  inhabitants  of  Brooklyn,  Flatbush  and 
Flatlands,  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  whether  they  were 
satisfied  with  their  minister,  and  if  they  were  satisfi- 
ed, what  sallary  they  would  pay  him. '  The  Sheriff 
reported,  that  they  approved  of  their  minister,  and  would 
pay  him  a  sum  equal  to  8416.66  per  year.  This  was 
approved  as  a  good  call,  and  accepted."  The  minister 
concerning  whom  this  order  was  made,  was  the  Rev. 
Johannes  Theodorus  Polhemus,  who  was  the  first  Pastor 
of  these  churches.  "  February,  8th,  1656,  the  above  towns 
applied  to  the  Governor  for  an  order  to  raise  money  by  a 


77 

tax,  to  pay  their  minister.  Granted."  "  December,  20th, 
1659,  the  Rev.  J.  Polhemus  represented  to  the  Governofl.' 
that  his  church  wanted  painting,  to  preserve  it,  and  re- 
quested assistance  from  the  Governor.  Reply, — this  re- 
quest shall  be  transmitted  to  the  directors  by  the  first  op- 
portunity."  "  September  18th,  1660,  the  minister  peti- 
tioned for  windows  for  his  church,  Ordered  that  one 
window  be  furnished  him." 

It  having  been  reported,  that  the  church  was  indebted 
to  the  amount  of  624  guilders,  it  was  ordered  to  be  satis- 
fied out  of  the  treasury,  as  soon  as  funds  should  be  recei- 
ved. On  the  15th  of  March,  1656,  an  ordinance  was  pass- 
ed by  the  Governor,  on  petition,  regulating  the  times  and 
places  of  public  worship  on  the  sabbath.  It  was  directed 
that  the  morning  service  for  Brooklyn,  Flatbush  and  Flat- 
lands,  should  be  held  at  Midwout,  or  Flatbush,  and  the 
afternoon  service  alternately,  at  Brooklyn  and  Flatlands. 
The  first  church  at  Flatlands  was  ordered  to  be  erected 
in  the  year  1662,  and  that  at  Brooklyn,  in  the  year  1666. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Polhemus  the  first  pastor,  was  at  this  time 
quite  advanced  in  life,  and  unable  to  perform  the  services 
appertaining  to  so  extended  a  charge.  In  consequence  of 
this,  on  application  to  Governor  Stuyvesant,  permission 
was  granted  to  the  church  of  Brooklyn,  to  call  another 
minister.  A  request  to  this  effect  was  sent  to  Holland, 
and  on  the  16th,  of  February,  1660,  a  call  upon  the  Rev. 
Henry  Solyns,  or  Henricus  Selwyn,  was  approved  by  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  an  honorable  dismission  given 
to  Mr.  Solyns,  wishing  him  a  safe  and  prosperous  jour- 
ney by  land,  and  by  water,  to  his  congregation,  in  the 
New-Netherlands.  He  was  installed  in  the  church  at 
Brooklyn,  on  the  3d,  of  September,  1660,  in  the  presence 

of  the  Fiscal  and  Burgomaster  Krigier,  by  the  order  of 

"7* 


78 

Governor  Stuyvesant.  His  salary  was  six  hundred  guil- 
ders per  annum,  equal  to  a  little  rising  two  hundred  dol- 
lars. 

Although  nothing  certainly  is  known  of  the  services  of 
Mr.  Solyns,  in  Flatbush,  it  is  probable,  from  the  infirmities  of 
Mr.  Polhemus,  and  the  friendship  which  existed  between 
them,  that  occasionally,  at  least,  he  must  have  preached 
in  Flatbush  ;  although  he  was  regarded  as  more  especial- 
ly the  minister  of  the  church  of  Brooklyn,  and  received  as 
such,  from  the  Rev.  J.  Polhemus,  on  the  12th,  of  Septem- 
ber,  1660,  a  list  of  his  members,  containing  thirty-seven 
names.  Mr.  Solyns  was  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  ta- 
lents and  learning.  This  was  soon  discovered,  and  in  the 
year  1662,  an  arrangement  was  made,  by  which  he 
preached  at  the  Governor's  house,  on  his  "  Bowerie,"  or 
Farm,  on  Sunday  afternoons.  His  ministry  at  this  time,  in 
this  country  however,  was  of  short  continuance  ;  for  on  the 
22d.  of  July,  1664,  he  took  leave  of  his  congregation,  and 
sailed  in  the  ship  Beaver,  for  Holland.  He  subsequently 
returned  to  this  country,  and  was  pastor  of  the  Dutch 
church,  in  New-York,  from  1682,  to  1700.  He  was  a  man 
of  classical  taste  and  learning,  and  highly  esteemed  in  his 
day.  He  prefixed  a  Latin  poem  to  Cotton  Mather's 
"  Magnalia  Christi  Americana,"  bearing  date,  October, 
16th,  1697. 

After  the  departure  of  Mr.  Solyns,  the  churches  were 
left  to  such  services  as  the  Rev.  Mr.  Polhemus,  in  his  old 
age  6ould  confer  upon  them.  He  appears  however  to 
have  been  assisted  at  this  period  by  the  Rev.  Johannes 
Megapolensis,  one  of  the  ministers  of  the  city  of  New- Am- 
sterdam.  This  arrangement  continued  till  the  year  1676, 
on  the  8th,  of  June,  in  which  year,  Mr.  Polhemus  died. 
Application  was  then  made  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 


79 

for  another  minister,  by  whom  the  Rev.  Casparus  Van 
Zuren  who  had  been  settled  at  Gouderack,  was  sent  out. 
He  was  installed  on  the  6th,  of  September,  1677.  It  is 
probable,  that  about  this  time,  the  church  of  New-Utrecht 
was  organized,  .and  received  into  the  combination : 
for  the  first  election  of  Elders  and  Deacons  in  this  church, 
took  place  in  the  month  of  October,  1677.  The  record  in 
the  hand  writing  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Zuren,  under  date 
1677,  which  gives  the  account  of  the  change  of  Elders 
and  Deacons  in  the  several  churches  of  Brooklyn,  Amers- 
fort,  Flatbush  and  New-Utrecht  contains  the  following 
minute  relative  to  the  last  named  church  "  At  New- 
Utrecht,  while  there  has  never  heretofore  been  an  election 
of  Elders  and  Deacons,  the  assembled  congregation  have 
now  chosen  for  Elders  Jan  Gysbertse  and  Mainderd 
Courtes  ;  for  deacons,  Auris  Williamse  Brower  and  Jan 
Hanse,  and  this  has  all  taken  place  in  the  beginning  of 
October,  and  they  have  been  ordained  about  the  same  time 
and  at  the  same  place."' 

In  the  year  1631,  the  Consistory  of  the  church  of  Flat- 
bush  was  enlarged,  by  the  addition  of  one  Elder  and  one 
Deacon,  chosen  from  among  the  members  at  New-Lots. 
None  of  the  consistories  of  the  churches  on  the  island  as  yet, 
consisted  of  more  than  two  Elders  and  two  Deacons,  and 
this  appears  to  have  been  the  case  for  some  years  subse- 
quent to  this  period,  with  the  exception  of  the  church  of 
Flatbush.  The  minute  relative  to  the  enlargement  of  the 
Consistory  of  the  church  of  Flatbush  is  as  follows : 

"  N.  B.  In  consequence  of  the  increase  of  the  commu- 
nicants and  housekeepers,  at  Oostwoud,  together  with  that 
of  the  children  (where  for  the  instruction  and  edification 
of  the  young  and  aged,  a  schoolmaster  is  required.)  It 
is  unanimously  ordained  and  approved  of  by  the  Honora- 
ble Consistory  of  Midwoud,  that  at  Oostwoud,  under  the 


so 

jurisdiction  of  Midwoud,  there  ought  to  be  chosen  an 
Elder  and  a  Deacon,  who  shall  be  members  of  the  Consis- 
tory of  Midwoud,  to  have  the  oversight  of  the  members  of 
Oostwoud,  in  particular  and  over  those  of  Midwoud  in  ge* 
neral,  and  in  matters  of  importance,  whenever  the  mem- 
bers  of  the  Consistoiy  are  assembled,  they  must  always  be 
requested  to  meet  with  them  to  obtain  their  advice  as  well 
as  that  of  others.  And  to  that  end,  are  chosen  for  Elder, 
William  Jacobse  Van  Boerun;*;  for  Deacon,  Rem  Rem- 
sen.  Concluded  in  Consistory  of  Midwoud,  on  the  6th  of 
January,  1681.  The  above  elected  persons  having  been 
several  times  proclaimed,  were  ordained  at  Midwoud,  on 
the  30th,  of  January." 

Little  is  known  with  regard  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Zu- 
ren's  ministry  or  character.  He  appears  to  have  been  a 
man  of  great  industry  and  system.  He  has  left  the  most 
copious  minutes  of  the  services  which  he  performed.  In 
addition  to  the  lists  of  the  members  of  the  churches,  and  the 
records  of  baptisms  and  marriages,  he  has  noted  the  times 
and  places  of  administering  the  Lord's  Supper,  together 
with  the  texts  of  scripture  from  which  he  preached,  and 
the  election  of  new  Elders  and  Deacons  in  the  several 
churches  in  each  year,  t02;ether  with  the  time  of  their 
induction  into  their  respective  offices.  His  record  of  bap- 
tisms commences  on  the  16th  of  September,  1677,  and  of 
marriages  on  the  29th  of  September,  1677.  He  contin- 
ued to  serve  these  congregations  till  the  year  1685,  when 
he  received  a  call  from  his  former  church  in  Holland,  and 
returned  to  his  native  land.  He  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  Rudolphus  Varick  in  the  same  year.  He  continued 
till  the  year  1694,  when  the  Rev.Wilhemus  Lupandus 
was  called,  who  officiated  until  the  time  of  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  the  year  1701  or  2.  Of  these  two  gentlemen 
nothing  now  is  known. 


81 

In  the  year  1698,  a  subscription  was  taken  up  for  the 
purpose  of  erecting  a  new  church.  This  subscription, 
which  was  confined  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  old  town  and 
New-Lots,  amounts  to  15,728  guilders  and  5  stivers, 
which  reckoning  a  guilder  at  forty  cents,  is  equal  to 
$6,291.20.  The  precise  time  at  which  the  church  was 
built,  is  not  known  ;  but  it  was  no  doubt  during  that  year 
or  the  one  that  succeeded.  The  committee  to  whom  the 
erection  of  the  church  was  entrusted,  were,  Captain  Daniel 
Polhemus,  Captain  Aries  Vanderbilt,  Adrian  Ryers,  Rem 
Remsen,  and  Rem  Aertson.  This  building,  which  was 
located  on  the  spot  on  which  the  first  church  stood,  was 
a  stone  edifice,  fronting  the  east,  with  a  large  arched 
double  door  in  the  centre,  having  a  steep  four-sided  roof 
coming  nearly  together  at  the  top,  on  which  was  erected 
a  small  steeple.  The  building  was  wider  in  front  then  in 
depth,  being  about  sixty-five  north  and  south,  and  about 
fifty  feet  east  and  west.  The  roof  rested  on  the  walls, 
and  was  partly  supported  by  them,  and  partly  by  two  large 
oak  columns,  standing  in  a  line  within  the  building,  in  a 
northerly  and  southerly  direction,  and  at  a  suitable  distance 
from  each  other.  The  two  columns  supported  a  plate  in 
the  centre  of  a  lofty  arched  planked  ceiling,  the  north 
and  south  ends  of  which,  rested  on  the  wall,  in  conse- 
quence of  which,  the  north  and  south  walls  of  the  build- 
ing were  considerable  higher  than  those  of  the  east  and 
west.  There  were  two  large  and  broad  braces  extending 
from  each  column  to  the  plate.  The  roof  appeared  to  be 
badly  constructed.  Its  pressure  on  the  walls  was  so 
great,  that  in  process  of  time,  the  upper  part  of  the  north- 
erly wall  was  pressed  out  more  than  a  foot  over  the  foun- 
dation, and  the  four  braces  attached  to  the  columns  within 
the  building,  were  considerably  bent  from  the  weight  and 


82 

pressure  above.  The  pulpit  was  placed  in  the  centre  of 
the  west  side  of  the  building,  fronting  the  door,  having  the 
Elders  bench  on  the  right,  and  the  Deacons  bench  on  the 
left.  The  male  part  of  the  congregation  were  seated  in 
a  continuous  pew,  all  along  the  wall,  which  was  divided 
into  twenty  apartments,  with  a  sufficient  number  of  doors 
for  entrance:  each  person  having  one  or  more  seats,  in 
one  or  the  other  of  these  apartments.  The  residue  of  the 
interior  of  the  building,  was  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
female  part  of  the  congregation,  who  were  seated  on 
chairs.  These  were  arranged  into  seven  different  rows, 
or  blocks,  and  every  family  had  one  or  more  chairs  in 
some  one  of  these  blocks.  This  interior  arrangement  of 
the  seats,  w^as  called  by  the  significant  Dutch  term  '-De 
Gestoeltens."  Each  chair  was  marked  on  the  back  by 
a  number,  or  by  the  name  of  the  family  or  person  to 
whom  it  belonged.  The  windows  of  this  church  were 
formed  of  small  panes  of  glass ;  and  those  on  either  side 
of  the  pulpit,  were  painted,  or  ornamented  and  set  in  lead. 

It  is  probable  that  about  the  year  1698,  when  the  first 
church  was  pulled  down,  in  which  as  we  have  seen,  there 
was  accommodation  for  the  minister  and  his  family,  the  first 
parsonage  house  was  built.  This  is  the  south  part  of  the 
present  building  now  occupied  by  L.  L.  Van  Kleeck,  Esq. 
which  has  undergone  so  many  important  improvements 
under  his  hands. 

About  the  time  of  the  building  of  this  second  church, 
a  certain  paper  was  drawn  up  and  adopted,  entitled  "Ar- 
ticles, Laws  and  Ordinances,  by  which  the  church  of 
Flatbush  shall  be  governed  and  occupied,  by  the  inhabi- 
tants and  builders."  This  document  contains  certain 
provisions  : — 1st.  Concerning  the  occupancy  and  posses- 
sion of  the  seats  .  2ld.  Concerning  the  tenure  of  the  seats 


83 

whenever  the  owners  remove;  and  3d.  Concerning  in- 
terments in  the  church.  These  provisions  are  all  wise 
and  prudent,  but  some  of  them  appear  at  the  present  day 
somewhat  curious.  We  shall  only  extract  from  this  do- 
cument, the  articles  concerning  "  interments  in  the 
church."     They  are  as  follows  : — 

"1.  Those  who  are  inclined  to  be  interred  within  the 
church,  are  required  to  pay  for  an  adult  corps  of  sixteen 
years  and  upwards,  £4 ;  for  a  corps  under  sixteen  years, 
to  six  years  of  age,  £3;  and  for  a  child  of  six  years  and 
under,  £2 ;  and  this  shall  be  paid  to  the  Church  Masters, 
for  the  profit  of  the  church. 

2.  "Those  who  are  inclined  to  be  permitted  to  be  interred 
in  the  church,  are  required  to  pay  the  expense  of  every 
person :  for  a  corps  of  sixteen  years  and  upwards,  the 
sum  of  27  guilders :  for  one  under  sixteen  years  to  six 
years,  22  guilders :  for  a  child  of  six  years  and  under, 
19  guilders,  for  the  profit  of  the  schoolmaster,  for  the  time 
being,  who  shall  be  required  to  see  that  the  graves  are  to 
be  dug  so  deep  that  two  coffins  can  be  placed  therein,  one 
above  the  other,  and  that  the  grave  for  the  under  coffin  is 
seven  feet  deep,  and  that  he  shall  remove  all  dirt  out  of 
the  church." 

From  this  time,  the  practice  of  burying  under  the  body 
of  the  church,  became  quite  general.  All  the  ministers 
who  died  after  this  date,  (1701,)  during  the  standing  of 
that  church,  were  inten-ed  under  the  building  ;  and  this 
indeed  was  the  case  with  all  whose  friends  could  afford  to 
pay  the  extra  expense  connected  with  this  privilege  ;  and 
this  accounts  for  the  fact,  that  the  grave  yard  now  contains 
so  few  tomb  stones  of  ancient  date.  Vast  numbers  of 
human  bones  were  dug  up  when  the  earth  was  removed 
for  the  foundation  of  the  steeple  to  the  present  church. 


1 


84 

These  were  all  carefully  preserved,  and  subsequently 
again  buried.  In  front  of  the  church,  and  under  it  have 
been  interred  the  bodies  of  nearly  three  or  four  genera- 
tions. 

At  the  time  of  the  building  of  this  church,  the  Rev.  W. 
Lupardus,  was  pastor.  After  his  death,  which  occurred 
towards  the  close  of  the  year  1701,  or  in  the  commence- 
ment of  the  year  1702,  the  congregations  of  the  county 
made  an  effort  to  call  the  Rev.  Bernardus  Freeman,  then 
pastor  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Schenectady. 
Three  men  were  chosen  in  each  of  the  four  towns,  of 
Flatbush,  Brooklyn,  Flatlands  and  New-Utrecht,  for  the 
purpose  of  prosecuting  this  call,  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions  of  the  government,  which  then  exercisd  control 
over  the  church.  An  application  was  made  to  Lord 
Cornbuiy,  the  then,  Governor  of  the  Colony,  for  permis- 
sion to  call  Mr.  Freeman.  This  request  was,  on  the  23d 
of  October,  1702,  denied  by  the  Governor;  and  the  four 
congregations  were  directed  to  send  to  Holland  for  a  min- 
ister, in  conformity  with  their  previous  custom.  It  would 
appear  that  another  effort  was  made  to  obtain  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Freeman,  in  the  year  1703.  On  the  27th  of  April,  in 
that  year,  Lord  Cornbury,  issued  a  warrant  granting  full 
liberty  to  call  Mr.  Freeman.  The  congregation  of 
Schenectady,  however,  remonstrated  against  the  proceed- 
ing, and  sent  a  petition  to  Governor  Cornbury,  requesting 
that  the  calling  of  Mr.  Freeman  should  be  interdicted. 
But  this  petition  was  denied  by  Lord  Cornbury  in  an  or- 
der issued  by  him  bearing  date  June  24th,  1703.  A  call 
was  accordingly  presented  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman,  who 
in  a  letter  dated  August  2d,  1703,  consents  to  accept  the 
same,  provided  certain  conditions  which  he  names  are 
complied  with.     On  the  19th  of  August,  1703,  these  con- 


85 

^itions  were  acceded  to  by  the  congregation  of  Flatbush. 
Previously  however  to  this,  it  would  appear  that  certain 
difficulties  had  arisen  relative  to  this  matter.  Some,  if 
not  all,  the  persons  who  had  been  deputed  from  the  seve- 
ral congregations  to  call  the  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman,  for  some 
cause  which  does  not  appear,  became  disaffected  towards 
him.  In  consequence  of  this,  they  did  not  comply  with  the 
instructions  which  they  had  received — but  not  only  neg- 
lected to  answer  the  letter  of  Mr.  Freeman,  informinij  him 
that  the  congregation  had  complied  with  his  stipulations, 
but  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Consistory  of  Schenectady, 
stating  that  the  most  part  of  the  congregation  were  in 
favor  of  sending  to  Holland  for  a  minister — but  that  only 
some  "  stiff  heads,"  as  they  term  them,  had  enjoined  them 
to  make  a  call  upon  Dom.  Freeman.  Eventually,  Mr. 
Freeman  visited  the  island  himself,  and  having  ascertain- 
ed the  true  state  of  things,  consented  to  accept  the  call. 
The  matter,  however,  appears  to  have  been  in  agitation 
for  more  than  two  years  before  he  came.  For  he  was  not 
installed  until  the  year  1705.  This  took  place  by  procla- 
mation of  the  Governor,  in  the  church  at  New-Utrecht,  in 
November  of  that  year.  The  service  was  performed  on 
the  occasion,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dubois.  In  the  mean  time, 
however,  the  disaffected  persons  wrote  a  letter  to  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  bearing  date,  December  10th,  1703, 
requesting  that  a  minister  should  be  sent  out  to  these 
churches  from  Holland.  This  letter  was  received  by  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  on  the  2d,  June,  1704,  and  on  the 
6th,  of  October,  1704,  they  commissioned  the  Rev.  Vin- 
centius  Antonides,  to  proceed  to  America,  for  the  purpose 
of  becoming  the  pastor  of  the  church  of  Flatbush,  and  of 
the  Dutch  churches  adjoining.  He  was  at  the  time  pastor 
of  the  church  of  Bergen,  in  Friesland.    In  their  letter  to 

8 


86 

the  churches,  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  speak  of  him  as 
a  man  of  great  learning,  and  of  fine  talents.  He  arrived 
in  this  country,  and  in  connection  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Freeman,  entered  upon  his  duties  in  the  year  1705.  But 
a  very  unhappy  controversy,  which  had  its  origin  previ- 
ously to  his  arrival,  continued  to  agitate  the  churches.  We 
need  not  enter  into  the  particulars  of  it.  It  is  sufficient  to 
state  that  the  contest  was  so  warm  between  the  friends  of 
these  respective  ministers,  that  the  civil  authority  had  to 
interfere,  and  one  or  two  orders  were  passed  on  the  sub- 
ject, by  Lord  Cornbury,  the  Governor.  Some  of  these  are 
curious,  as  exhibiting  the  powers  which  the  Governor  and 
his  council  exercised  in  the  affairs  of  the  church.  These 
differences  continued  to  agitate  these  several  congrega- 
tions, until  the  year  1714,  when  they  were  harmoniously 
reconciled.  On  the  27th,  of  December,  in  that  year,  a 
meeting  was  held  in  Flatbush,  composed  of  delegates  from 
the  churches  of  Flatbush,  Brooklyn,  Flatlands,  New- 
Utrecht,  Bushwick  and  New-Jamaica,  (as  it  is  called  in 
the  document  which  gives  the  account  of  this  meeting,)  or 
the  Reformed  Dutch  congregation  of  Queens  County, 
which  was  then  about  being  organized,  and  was  supplied 
by  the  ministers  from  this  county.  This  meeting  was  as- 
sembled in  good  friendship,  as  they  state  in  the  pream- 
ble to  their  transactions.  They  all  agreed  to  lay  aside 
their  differences,  and  to  receive  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Free- 
man and  Antonides,  as  their  pastors  and  teachers.  They 
fixed  the  proportion  of  salary,  to  be  raised  by  the  several 
churches  for  their  support,  and  the  times  and  places  of  ad- 
ministering the  Lord's  Supper  and  of  preaching.  In  re- 
gard to  the  communion,  it  was  agreed,  that  Buskwick, 
Brooklyn  and  Flatbush,  should  commune  together  ;  Flat- 
lands,  Gravesend  and  New-Utrecht,  together ;  and  the  con- 
gregation of  Queens  County,  should  form  another  com- 


87 

munion.  In  regard  to  preaching,  it  was  agreed,  that  one 
minister  should  preach  on  one  Sabbath  in  Bushwick,  and 
'the  other  in  New-Utrecht ;  that  on  the  next  Sabbath,  one 
in  Brooklyn,  and  the  other  in  Flatlands ;  and  the  third  Sab- 
bath, one  in  Flatbush  and  the  other  in  Jamaica,  and  thus 
on  in  regular  rotation.  From  this  time  forth,  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  the  churches  enjoyed  peace. 

The  unhappy  controversy  to  which  we  have  alluded, 
was,  by  Him,  who  causes  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise 
Him,  overruled  for  good.  For,  from  that  time  forward, 
the  churches  of  the  county  enjoyed  the  services  of  two 
ministers  of  the  gospel  who  in  addition  to  their  pulpit  ex- 
ercises, performed  all  the  usual  parochial  duties  ;  such 
as  visiting  the  sick,  catechising  the  youth,  pastoral  visita- 
tion of  families,  and  the  like.  All  of  which,  had  hereto- 
fore been  attended  to  by  one  individual,  who  from  the 
extent  of  the  charge,  could  not  possibly  have  rendered  all 
the  services  which  were  needful  and  proper. 

To  accommodate  these  pastors,  it  became  necessary  to 
provide  another  parsonage.  Accordingly,  in  the  year 
1711,  the  congregations  purchased  of  Johannes  Johnson, 
the  house  owned  by  Mr.  John  H.  Hess,  and  recently  oc- 
cupied by  Mr.  Michael  Schoonmaker.  Deeds  for  this 
property,  in  proportion  to  their  several  rights  were  given 
to  the  respective  Dutch  congregations  in  the  county  ;  this 
'church  being  entitled  to  the  fourth  equal  part.  This 
building  was  used  as  a  parsonage,  until  the  year  1809, 
when  it  was  sold,  an  account  of  which  will  be  subsequent- 
ly given.  In  this  and  the  other  parsonage  adjoining  the 
church,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Antoni- 
des  were  accommodated,  but  we  are  not  able  to  tell  in 
which  house  they  severally  resided. 


88 

Both  these  ministers  appear  to  have  been  men  of  more 
than  ordinary  acquirements  and  talent.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Freeman,  was  a  very  learned  divine.  He  wrote  and  pub- 
lished several  works.  Among  others,  one  entitled,  "  Tri-* 
al  of  Grace,"  or  the  "  Ballance,"  containing  a  series  of 
sermons ;  and  another,  entitled,  "  Apothems,"  which  has 
been  translated  from  the  original  Dutch,  by  General  Je- 
remiah Johnson.  The  latter  work  discovers  a  vast  amount 
of  learning,  and  a  mind  of  the  deepest  research.  It  is  a 
treasure  of  truth. 

In  the  year  1737,  a  meeting  of  ministers  was  held  in 
New- York,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  measures  to  organize 
a  Csetus  or  Assembly  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  subordi- 
nate to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  with  powers  some- 
what similar  to  those  now  exercised  by  the  Classes  of  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church,  in  this  country.  At  this  meet- 
ing the  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman  attended,  on  behalf  of  the 
churches  on  Long-Island.  A  plan  was  adopted  for  the 
organization  of  such  a  body,  and  was  submitted  to 
the  churches,  for  their  approbation.  On  the  27th,  of 
April,  1738,  the  meeting  again  convened,  in  the  city  of 
New-York,  for  the  purpose  of  hearing  the  reports  on  this 
subject.  At  this  meeting  the  churches  on  Long-Island  were 
represented  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Freeman,  and  the  Elders  Pe- 
ter Nevius  and  Dirk  BrinkerhofF.  The  plan  having  been 
approved  by  the  churches  generally,  it  was  now  ratified 
and  adopted,  and  immediately  sent  over  to  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  for  their  approval.  But  for  some  cause  not 
known,  the  approbation  of  the  Classis  did  not  reach  this 
country  until  the  year  1746.  It  was  brought  over  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Van  Sinderen,  of  whom  we  shall  presently  speak. 

Mr.  Freeman  died  in  the  year  1741.  He  was  succeeded 
by  the  Rev.  Johannes  Arondeus,  in  the  year  1742,  who, 


89 

was  the  colleague  of  the  Rev.  V.  Antonides  till  the  year 
'1744,  when  the  latter  died. 

On  the  death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Antonides,  the  Rev.  Ulpianus 
Van  Sinderen  was  called.  He  came  from  Holland,  and 
entered  upon  his  duties,  in  1746,  and  continued  to  serve 
the  congregation  in  connection  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Aron- 
deus  until  the  year  1754,  when  Mr.  Arondeus  was  called 
to  his  final  account. 

Mr.  Van  Sinderen  was  the  bearer  of  the  letter  from  the 
Classsis  of  Amsterdam,  containing  their  approbation  of 
the  plan  of  the  Ccetus  which  had  been  agreed  upon  in  the 
meeting,  held  in  New- York,  in  the  year  1738.  Shortly 
after  his  arrival  in  this  country,  a  meeting  was  called  to 
receive  this  letter.  This  meetino;  was  held  in  the  citv  of 
New-York,  in  the  month  of  May,  1747.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Van  Sinderen,  is  named  first  among  the  six  ministers  who 
attended  this  meeting.  Little  more  was  done  at  this  time 
than  receive  the  letter  of  concurrence  in  the  plan  from  the 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  appoint  the  second  Tuesday  of 
the  following  September,  for  the  meeting  of  the  first  Ceetus, 
to  be  held  in  the  city  of  New-York,  under  this  new  plan. 
On  that  day,  the  representatives  of  the  churches  met  in 
Caetus,  and  organized  the  first  judicatory  (if  it  can  be  so 
called)  higher  than  a  consistory,  that  was  established  in  the 
Dutch  Church  in  America.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Sinderen 
attended  as  a  member  of  this  body.  The  plan  was  how- 
ever opposed  by  several  ministers,  and  churches,  and 
eventually  gave  rise  to  very  serious  troubles,  which  it 
would  be  inappropriate  here  to  narrate  in  detail. 

Mr.  Van  Sinderen,  though  a  man  of  talents,  was  quite 
eccentric  in  his  manners.  He  was"  short  in  statue,  but  very 
active. 

8* 


Tliough  endowed  with  learning,  he  appears  to  have 
been  deficient  in  sound  judgment.  He  was  too  much  in 
the  habit  of  introducing  the  occurrences  of  the  week  pre- 
vious in  his  sermons,  on  the  Sabbath,  and  often  would  al- 
lude to  very  trifling  cii'cumstances.  Some  amusing  an- 
ecdotes, are  told  of  him,  relating  to  this  practice.  On  one 
occasion,  a  good  old  Elder,  who  had  borne  vvith  the  Do- 
mine  in  this  particular,  till  his  patience  was  exhausted, 
very  injudiciously,  under  the  excitement  of  his  feelings, 
rose  in  his  seat,  during  divine  service,  and  interrupted  Mr. 
Van  Sinderen,  by  saying,  they  had  called  him  to  preach 
the  gospel,  and  not  to  detail  to  them  such  matters.  The 
Domine,  indignant  at  being  stopped  in  his  discourse,  lean- 
ed over  the  pulpit,  and  replied,  "  You,  Phlip  Nagle,  if 
you  can  preach  the  gospel  better  than  I  can,  come  up  here 
and  try." 

After  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Arondeus,  the  Rev» 
Anthony  Curtenius  was  called.  He  commenced  his  min- 
istry in  this  place  in  the  year  1755.  But  in  the  succeed- 
ing year,  on  the  19th,  of  October,  he  died,  being  in  his 
58th,  year. 

About  this  time,  or  probably,  a  little  while  before,  this 
church  was  greatly  agitated,  in  common  with  the  whole 
Reformed  Dutch  denomination,  with  what  was  called  the 
Csetus  and  Conferentie  differences.  This  was  a  contest 
which  excited  great  warmth.  It  related  principally  to  the 
question  of  the  right  of  ordination,  and  the  exercise  of 
church  authority.  The  Csetus  party  contended  that  in 
consequence  of  the  inconvenience  of  sending  to  Holland 
for  ministers,  and  the  increase  of  the  churches  in  this  coun- 
try, it  should  be  exercised  by  the  ministers  of  the  church, 
already  in  America,  and  that  for  this  purpose,  there 
should  be  a  regular  organization  of  the  churches  into  Clas-. 


91 

ses,  and  Synods,  as  was  the  case  in  Holland,  to  whom 
should  appertain  all  the  rights  and  privileges  belonging 
to  such  ecclesiastical  bodies,  in  the  mother  country.  The 
Conferentie  party,  on  the  other  hand,  maintained  that  all 
ministers  should  be  ordained  in  Holland,  and  sent  forth  un- 
der the  authority  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  or  by  their 
permission.  The  controversy  was  a  very  unhappy  one, 
and  continued  to  trouble  the  churches  until  the  year  1772. 
This  congregation  was  not  exempt  from  the  general  dif- 
ficulties. So  divided  and  embittered  against  each  other 
were  many  on  this  subject,  that  the  different  parties  would 
not  worship  together,  nor  even  speak  to  each  other. 
Sometimes  they  would  not  turn  out  when  they  met  on  the 
road.  On  one  occasion,  it  is  said  that  two  of  these  re- 
doubtable opponents  belonging  to  Flatbush,  meeting  each 
other  in  their  waggons,  and  both  refusing  to  give  the  road, 
they  each  deliberately  took  out  their  pipes,  and  began  to 
smoke !  How  long  they  continued  at  this  very  pacific  em- 
ployment is  not  stated,  nor  is  it  said  whether  the  difficulty 
between  them  was  lost  sight  of  by  the  cloud  of  smoke  ob- 
scuring their  vision,  or  whether  their  pipes  were  ever 
turned  into  the  calumut  of  peace. 

In  August,  1759,  the  Rev.  Johannes  Casparus  Rubel, 
was  called,  who  continued  as  colleague  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Van  Sinderen,  until  the  year  of  his  death. 

The  old  or  second  church,  which  we  have  above  des- 
cribed, continued  without  material  change  until  about  two 
years  previous  to  the  war  of  the  American  Revolution, 
when  it  was  thought  necessary  to  remodel  or  improve  the 
seats,  by  introducing  pews.  Consequently,  on  the  6th  of 
October,  1774,  the  church  masters  prepared  a  subscription 
paper,  detailing  the  plan  by  which  this  desirable  object 
should  be  accomplished.     This  paper  was  signed  by  every 


92 

male  adult  person  of  the  congregation  who  had  an  interest 
in  the  church.  This  document  exhibits  in  a  striking:  man- 
ner,the  wisdom,  foresight,  sound  discretion  and  piety  of  the 
men  of  that  day.  In  this  too,  as  well  as  in  almost  every 
other  public  ecclesiastical  document,  they  refer  to  the  arti- 
cles of  their  faith,  as  established  in  the  National  Synod  of 
Dordrecht,  in  the  year  1618, 1619.  Theassentof  the  whole 
congregation  having  been  thus  prudently  obtained,  they 
commenced  in  the  year  1775  to  remodel  the  seats.  The 
chairs  were  removed,  and  sixty-four  pews,  containing  six 
seats  each,  were  introduced.  The  work  having  been  com- 
pleted on  the  28th,  day  of  September,  in  the  same  year, 
the  pews  were  drawn  for,  by  the  members  of  the  congre- 
gation, and  assigned  to  the  respective  owners  by  lot,  and 
a  record  of  the  same  accordingly  made.  The  expense 
incurred  by  this  improvement,  amounted  to  j£290.16.9.  or 
8727.09,  of  which  sum,  the  respective  pew  holders  paid 
£190.4.6.  equal  to  8475.56.  John  Bennan,  Thomas 
Lane,  Isaac  Martense,  Adrian  Martense  and  Vincent  An- 
tonides,  were  the  carpenters  who  performed  the  work,  and 
the  painting  was  done  by  William  Post.  There  were  two 
galleries  along  the  easterly  side  of  the  church,  divided  by 
the  door  ;  the  one  was  occupied  by  the  whites,  and  the  other 
by  coloured  persons.  The  benches  below,  under  these  gal- 
leries were  free,  and  usually  occupied  by  non-residents.  On 
each  side  of  the  church  were  two  windows,  and  one  upper 
window  in  each  of  the  ends,  at  tlie  north  and  south.  These 
were  all  provided  with  shutters.  The  bell  rope  hung 
down  in  the  centre  of  the  church,  was  easy  of  access,  and 
often  used  to  give  alarms,  during  the  revolutionary  war. 
Here  were  two  benches  with  backs,  one  called  the  "Ye- 
frows  Bench,"  and  the  other  the  "Blue  Bench."  The  former, 
was  for  the  accommodation  of  the  minister's  wife  and  fam- 


93 

ily  and  the  other  was  let  out  to  other  individuals,  and  from 
its  position,  was  regarded  as  an  honorable  seat.  Boards 
on  which  the  first  Psalm  to  be  sung  was  noted,  were 
hung  upon  the  walls  of  the  church,  for  the  benefit  of  such 
as  were  not  present  when  it  was  announced.  The  Dea- 
cons were  furnished  with  long  rods,  at  the  ends  of  which, 
were  velvet  bags,  in  which  to  take  up  the  collection,  and 
they  usually  stood  for  a  few  moments  with  their  poles  in 
their  hands  in  front  of  the  pulpit,  till  the  minister  briefly 
reminded  the  congregation  of  their  duty  to  the  poor. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Van  Sinderen  and  Rubel,  continued 
to  officiate  in  the  church,  until  the  close  of  the  revolu- 
tionary war,  in  1783.  With  regard  to  these  individuals, 
several  unpleasant  difficulties  arose  in  the  five  congrega- 
tions  of  the  county,  who  were  under  their  pastoral  charge, 
— and  as  their  residence,  as  that  of  all  the  previous  min- 
isters had  been,  was  at  Flatbush,  the  inhabitants  of  this 
town  took  a  warm  and  active  interest  in  these  differences. 
The  particulars  of  these,  it  would  not  be  edifying  to  re- 
late. In  regard  to  politics,  which  during  the  revolutionary 
struggle,  was  a  matter  of  deep  interest ;  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Van  Sinderen  appears  to  have  been  in  favor  of  the  Ameri- 
can cause,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rubel,  strongly  opposed  to 
it.  On  a  fast  day  which  was  ordered  to  be  kept  by  the 
Provincial  Congress,  the  latter  preached  in  Flatbush,  from 
the  text,  "  honor  the  king;"  when  among  other  things,  he 
said,  "  people  could  do  as  well  without  a  head  as  without 
a  king."  This  gave  great  offence  to  those  who  were  in  fa- 
vor of  throwing  off  the  British  yoke. 
-  At  the  close  of  the  war,  in  June  1784,  at  the  request  of 
the  united  Consistory,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Sinderen  resign- 
ed his  charge,  and  on  the  12th  of  July,  in  the  same  year, 
was  declared  Emeritus  and  a  certain  salary  voted  to  him 


94 

as  such,  which  was  regularly  paid  him,  until  the  day  of 
his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  23d  of  July,  1796.  He 
was  interred  in  the  grave  yard  at  Flatlands,  to  which 
place  he  had  removed  some  few  years  previously.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Ruble,  was  for  certain  causes,  which  it  is  not  ne- 
cessary to  mention,  deposed  from  the  office  of  the  sacred 
ministry,  by  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
in  the  early  part  of  the  year  1784.  He  remained  under 
this  censure,  till  the  time  of  his  death,  which  took  place 
in  1799.  His  remains  lie  interred  in  the  public  cemetery 
of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Flatbush. 

In  the  year  1785,  a  call  was  made  on  the  Rev.  Marti- 
nus  Schoonmaker,  then  officiating  at  Gravesend  and  Har- 
leam.  He  having  accepted  the  call,  the  congregation 
of  Gravesend  was  admitted  formally  into  the  combina- 
tion.  On  the  28th  of  October,  1787,  the  Rev.  Peter 
Lowe,  a  native  of  Ulster  County,  who  had  completed  his 
theological  studies  under  the  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston,  was 
installed  colleague  pastor  with  Mr.  Schoonmaker.  These 
two  continued  to  preach  alternately  in  the  old  church, 
until  it  was  taken  down,  in  the  year  1794.  All  the  ser- 
vices of  the  above  named  ministers,  were  performed  in 
the  Dutch  language,  until  the  10th  of  April,  1792,  when 
it  was  resolved  that  the  service  in  the  afternoon,  in  the 
congregations  of  Brooklyn,  Flatbush  and  New-Utrecht, 
should  be  held  in  the  English  language,  on  such  days  as 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Lowe  should  preach  in  those  places. 

In  the  year  1785,  the  church  became  incorporated. 
As  this  introduced  an  important  change  in  the  manage- 
ment of  the  fiscal  concerns,  it  may  be  proper  here  to 
present  the  following  statement,  of  the  manner  in  which 
the  temporalities  of  the  church  had  been  previously  ad- 
ministered, and  the  steps  taken  to  obtain  the  incorporation. 


95 

'  The  landed  estate  and  general  financial  interests  of  the 
Church  of  Flatbush,  from  the  time  of  its  organization, 
were  entrusted  to  the  care  and  management  of  Church 
Masters,  similar  to  the  mode  and  usage  practised  by  the 
Reformed  churches  in  Holland.  The  Church  Masters 
were  three  in  number,  elected  by  the  "  Gemeente,"  or 
assembled  congregation,  out  of  the  Consistory,  and  held 
their  offices  for  two  years,  corresponding  with  the  official 
term  of  the  Elders  and  Deacons.  When  the  Church 
Masters  were  first  chosen,  they  were  divided  into  two 
classes,  and  the  seat  of  the  member  of  the  first  class  be- 
came vacant  at  the  expiration  of  the  first  year,  and  the 
seats  of  the  two  members  of  the  second  class,  at  the  ex- 
piration of  the  second  year,  so  that  thereafter,  one  or  the 
other  members  of  each  class  might  be  annually  chosen. 
They  were  required  to  render  an  annual  statement  of 
their  receipts  and  expenditures,  and  the  correctness  of  the 
accounts  of  the  retiring  Church  Master,  or  Church  Mas- 
ters, as  the  case  might  be,  was  always  certified  on  the 
church  books.  The  temporalities  belonging  to  the  church, 
and  consisting  of  real  and  personal  estate,  appear  to  have 
been  prudently  and  judiciously  managed  and  preserved 
by  the  Church  Masters  thus  chosen,  down  to  the  close  of  the 
year,  1784,  a  period  of  nearly  one  hundred  and  seventy 
years.  The  last  Church  Masters,  were  John  Vanderbilt, 
Isaac  Snediker  and  Johannes  E.  Lott,  whose  accounts 
were  examined  by  the  Trustees  of  the  church,  and  by 
them  found  satisfactory :  whereupon  the  following  certifi- 
cate was  entered  upon  the  church  books.  "John  Van- 
derbilt, Isaac  Snediker  and  Johannes  E.  Lott,  Church 
Masters,  having  come  together,  and  rendered  an  account 
of  their  receipts  and  expenditures  to  the  Trustees  who  are 
chosen  in  their  place,  and  the  Church  Masters  have  been 


96 

found  faithful  in  their  trust,  are  thanked  by  us,  the  under- 
written Trustees,  for  their  services." 

On  the  6th  day  of  April,  in  the  year  1784,  the  Legis- 
lature of  the  State  of  New- York,  passed  an  Act,  entitled 
"  An  Act  to  enable  all  religious  denominations  in  this 
State,  to  appoint  Trustees,  who  should  be  a  Body  Corpo- 
rate, for  the  purpose  of  taking  care  of  the  temporalities  of 
their  respective  congregations,  and  for  other  purposes 
therein  mentioned."  As  the  revolutionary  war  was  now 
just  closed,  and  peace  again  restored,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Flatbush,  at  once  saw  the  advantages  which  their 
church  might  derive  from  this  Act  authorizing  the  incor- 
poration of  religious  societies.  Accordingly,  on  Sunday 
the  26th  day  of  December,  1784,  public  notice  was  given 
by  the  Rev.  Martinus  Schoonmaker,  the  minister  of  the 
church,  by  a  publication  therein,  immediately  after  divine 
service,  and  before  the  congregation  was  dismissed,  notify- 
ing all  male  persons  who  statedly  worshiped  in  the  said 
church,  to  meet  therein,  on  the  17th  day  of  January,  then 
next  ensuino^,  at  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same 
day,  for  the  purpose  of  electing  Trustees  to  take  care  of  the 
temporalities  of  the  said  church,  pursuant  to  the  provisions 
of  the  above-mentioned  Act.  The  same  notification  was 
again  made,  in  the  said  church,  by  the  same  minister,  on 
the  2d  day  of  January,  1785,  in  manner  aforesaid.  In 
pursuance  of  which  notifications,  the  male  persons  who 
statedly  worshiped  in  the  said  church,  accordingly  met  at 
the  time  and  place  appointed,  and  in  the  presence  of  Jere- 
mias  Van  Der  Bilt  and  Joris  Martense,  Elders  and  Judges 
of  the  election,  did  then,  and  there,  by  plurality  of  voices, 
elect  Plilip  Nagel,  Cornelius  Wyckoff,  Hendrick  Suy- 
dam,  Peter  Lefferts  and  John  R.  Vanderbilt,  Trustees  to 
take  care  of  the   temporalities   of  the  said  church,  pur- 


97 

suant  to  the  directions  in  the  said  Act  mentioned  and  pre- 
scribed. The  style,  name  and  title,  by  which  the  said 
Trustees  and  their  successors  should  forever  thereafter  be 
called,  known  and  distinguished,  was  designated  to  be, 
"  The  Trustees  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  of 
Flatbush."  These  proceedings  were  all  certified  under 
the  hands  and  seals,  of  Jeremias  Vanderbilt  and  Joris 
Martense,  tlie  above-named  Elders  and  Judges  of  the  elec- 
tion, and  duly  acknowledged  and  recorded  in  the  Clerk's 
office  of  the  County  of  Kings,  on  the  said  17th  day  of 
January,  1785.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  Philip  Nagel  was  appointed  their  Treasurer, 
and  they  made  a  record  of  all  the  real  and  personal  es- 
tate belonging  to  the  church. 

The  church  of  Flatbush  continued  under  the  above- 
«ientioned  Act,  providing  for  the  incorporation  of  religious 
societies  generally,  until  the  19th  day  of  December,  1804. 
Some  few  years  anterior  to  this  time,  the  Legislature  of 
the  State,  passed  a  special  Act  providing  for  the  incorpo- 
ration of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Churches,  and  therein  desig- 
nated who  should  be  the  Trustees  of  every  Dutch  church, 
and  the  manner  of  their  appointment.  By  this  Act,  it  is 
provided  that  the  minister  or  ministers,  and  elders  and 
deacons,  and  if  during  any  time  there  be  no  minister,  then 
the  elders  and  deacons  during  such  time,  of  every  Reform- 
ed Protestant  Dutch  Church  or  congregation,  now,  or 
hereafter  to  be  established  in  this  State,  and  elected  ac- 
cording to  the  rules  and  usages  of  such  churches  within 
this  State,  shall  be  the  Trustees  for  every  such  church  or 
congregation.  The  Act  then  prescribes  the  mode  in 
which  the  Trustees  and  their  successors  shall  become  a 
body  corporate,  and  the  name  or  title  of  such  incorpora- 
tion.    In  the  same   Act,  further  provision  is  made  that  it 

9 


98 

shall  be  lawful  for  the  Trustees  of  any  Reformed  Protes- 
tant Dutch  Church  or  congregation,  elected  by  virtue  of 
any  former  law  of  this  State,  by  writing  under  their  hands 
and  seals,  duly  proved  and  acknowledged,  and  also  re- 
corded in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  county,  to  declare 
their  will,  not  to  continue  any  longer  a  body  corporate 
under  such  former  law,  and  thereupon  such  body  corpo- 
rate  shall  cease,  and  all  the  estate,  real  and  personal  held 
by  them,  shall  pass  and  be  vested  in  the  Trustees  of  the 
church  or  congregation  made  a  body  corporate,  in  the 
manner  provided  for  the  Dutch  churches. 

Under  the  provisions  of  the  Act  last  above-mentioned, 
John  Hegeman,  Johannes  E.  Lott,  Court  Van  Brunt  and 
Andrew   Suydam,  "  The  Trustees   of  the   Refor3IED 
Protestant  Dutch  Church  of  Flatbush,"  elected  ac- 
cording  to  the  provisions  of  the  Act,  entitled  "  An  Act  to 
enable  all  religious  denominations  in  this  State,  to  appoint 
Trustees,  who  shall  be  a  body  corporate,  for  the  purpose 
of  taking   care  of  the  temporalities  of  their  respective 
congregations,  and  for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned," 
Passed  April  6th,  1784,  did  on  the  19th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 1804,  by  a  certificate  executed  under  their  hands  and 
seals,  certify  and  declare,  that  they  would  not  continue 
any  longer  a  body  corporate,  under  the  said  recited  Act ; 
which  certificate  was  duly  proved,  acknowledged  and  re- 
corded, as  the  Act  requires.     On  the  same  day,  (Decem- 
ber 19th  1804,)  Martinus  Schoonmaker  and  Peter  Lowe, 
ministers,  Peter  Stryker,  John  Williamson,  Johannes  E. 
Lott  and  Hendrick  H.  Suydam,  Elders,  and  Joseph  Hege- 
man, Cornelius  Stryker  and  Lawrence  Voorhees,  Deacons 
elected  according  to  the  rules  and  usages  of  the  Reform- 
ed Protestant  Dutch  Cliurch  of  Flatbush,  did  by  a  certifi- 
cate, executed   under  their  hands  and  seals,  also  certify 
and  declare,  that  they  and  their  successors,  forever  should 


99 

be  known  and  distinguished  as  a  body  corporate,  by  virtue 
of  the  Act  entitled  "  An  Act,  to  provide  for  the  incorpora- 
tion of  religious  societies."  Passed  March  27th,  1801, 
(see  Revised  Laws  of  the  State  of  New- York,  by  Kent 
and  RadclifF,  vol.  1,  page  3-36,)  by  the  name  or  title  of 
"The  Trustees  of  the  Reformed  Protestant  Dutch 
Church  of  the  Town  of  Flatbush,  in  Kings  County." 
This  certificate  was  also  duly  proved  and  acknowledged, 
and  recorded  in  the  Clerk's  office,  of  the  County  of  Kings. 
And  the  minister  or  ministers.  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the 
church,  have  ever  since  been  continued,  under  the  provi- 
sion«  of  the  last  mentioned  Act,  as  a  body  corporate,  by 
the  name  or  title  expressed  and  set  forth  in  the  original 
certificate  now  remaining  of  record. 

On  the  19th  of  August,  1793,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Flatbush,  assembled  in  public  meeting  at  the 
church,  and  having  again  declared  their  adherence  to  the 
doctrines  and  order  of  the  Dutch  Church,  as  ratified  by 
the  National  Synod,  held  at  Dordrecht,  unanimously  re- 
solved to  erect  a  new  house  for  public  worship.  Certain 
conditions  and  stipulations  were  agree  upon,  and  a  build- 
ing committee,  consisting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  church, 
then  five  in  number,  and  five  Commissioners  were  ap- 
pointed to  carry  their  design  into  execution.  The  names 
of  these  Trustees  and  Commissioners,  were  Cornelius 
Vanderveer,  John  Bennem,  Johannes  J.  Lott,  Peter  Stry- 
ker,  John  Vanderveer,  John  Vanderbilt,  Hendrick  H. 
Suydam,  Johannes  E.  Lott,  John  Williamson  and  Adrian 
Martense.  This  committee  immediately  proceeded  to  their 
work.  They  engaged  Thomas  Fardon  as  the  architect  and 
master  builder,  and  Simeon  Back,  Frederic  Cleaveland, 
Abijah  Baldwin,  Gideon  Seaman,  and  other  carpenters 
under  him.  The  master  mason  was  John  Sanford,  who 
was  assisted  by  his  two  brothers  and  others   under  him. 


100 

The  painting  of  the  church,  when  completed,  was  done 
by  Matthew  Hall,  the  father  of  George  Hall,  the  first 
Mayor  of  the  city  of  Brooklyn.  This  edifice,  which  is 
the  one  now  standing,  was  three  years  in  building.  It 
was  commenced  in  December,  1793,  and  finished  in  De- 
cember, 1796.  It  is  most  substantially  built — all  the 
stones  of  the  former  church  being  placed  in  its  founda- 
tion, which  is  at  least  six  feet  broad.  Most  of  the  stones 
for  the  walls,  were  quarried  at  Hurlgate.  They  were 
l)rought  by  water  to  Gowanus  and  Denton's  mill,  by  Je- 
remiah Van  Dyke,  from  whence  they  were  carted  to  Flat- 
bush,  by  the  inhabitants.  The  brown  stone  which  forms 
the  three  upper  courses  just  above  the  foundation,  were 
broken  out  of  the  Brooklyn  woods.  The  brick  around  the 
doors  and  windows,  which  by  the  way,  is  almost  the  only 
matter  of  bad  taste  about  the  building,  came  from  Hol- 
land, as  ballast,  in  one  of  the  ships  belonging  to  the  Ho- 
norable John  Vanderbilt. 

The  cost  of  this  edifice  was  £4873.  7.  7.  equal  to 
812.183,  44.  exclusive  of  the  labor  and  cartage  perform- 
ed by  the  members  of  ihe  congregation,  which  was  an 
item  of  very  considerable  amount.  On  the  6th  day  of 
December,  1796,  the  pews  in  the  church  amounted  to  nine- 
ty-seven, exclusive  of  those  reserved  for  the  Elders  and 
Deacons,  the  Pastor,  the  Justice  of  the  peace,  and  a  few 
for  strangers,  were  sold  at  public  auction,  for  the  aggre- 
gate sum  of  £2013.  7.  9.  equalto85.033,  47.  wliichdid 
not  meet  the  expense  of  the  building  by  more  than  #7.000. 
A  suitable  register  of  the  pews  was  then  made,  and  of 
their  respective  owners.  At  the  completion  of  the  church, 
in  the  year  1796,  a  fine  bell,  imported  expressly  from 
Holland,  was  presented  for  its  use,  by  the  Honorable  John 
Vanderbilt,  lor  which  a  vote  of  thanks  was  passed  by  the 
Consistory,  a  copy  of  which  was  ordered  to  be  transmitted 


101 

to  the  liberal  donor.  The  vessel  in  which  this  bell  was 
shipped,  was  captured  by  the  British,  on  her  passage  to 
this  country,  and  carried  into  Halifax, — and  from  the  fact 
that  the  bell  had  on  it,  this  inscription,  '-  Presented  to  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  Flatbush,  by  John  Vander- 
bilt,"  it  was  presumed  that  both  vessel  and  cargo,  belong- 
ed to  a  Holland  merchant,  and  she  was  on  the  point  of 
being  condemned,  when  JMr.  Charles  Clarkson,  the  son-in- 
law  of  Mr.  Vanderbilt,  went  to  Halifax  and  testified  that 
he  was  a  citizen  of  the  United  States.  It  is  something  of 
a  remarkable  fact,  that  the  second  or  third  time  that  this 
bell  was  used,  was  on  the  occasion  of  the  funeral  of  this 
noble  spirited  man.  Although  we  shall  have  occasion 
hereafter  to  mention  this  distinn;uished  individual,  we 
trust  we  shall  be  pardoned  for  here  stopping  for  a  moment, 
to  render  the  tribute  of  respect  to  his  memory.  He  was 
a  man  of  great  nobleness  of  mind,  of  liberal  views,  and 
of  enlarged  public  spirit.  He  died  on  the  18th  of  No- 
vember, 1796,  in  the  fifty-seventh  year  of  his  age.  His 
monumental  stone,  bears  the  following  testimony  to  his 
worth.  '•  He  was  a  merchant  of  distinguished  probity — a 
real  patriot — an  affectionate  relative — a  sincere  friend, 
and  a  worthy  man.  Blessed  with  affluence,  he  displayed 
a  spirit  of  munificence  in  promoting  the  interests  of  his 
country,  of  religion  and  virtue.  The  moderation  and 
conciliatory  disposition  which  accompanied  and  conducted 
his  virtues,  secured  him  through  life,  an  esteem  almost 
unrivalled,  and  rendered  his  death,  a  great  loss  to  the 
public,  and  to  his  family  irreparable." 

The  church  after  its  completion,  was  dedicated  to  the 
service  of  Almighty  God,  in  the  month  of  January,  1797. 
The  Rev.  Martinus  Schoonmaker,  preached  a  sermon  in 
the  Dutch  language,  on  that  interesting  occasion,  and  the 

9* 


102 

Rev.  Peter  Lowe,  preached  in  English  in  the  afternoon  of 
the  same  day. 

The  combination  between  the  six  congreo^ations  of  the 
county,  to  which  we  have  alluded,  continued  until  the 
year  1805,  when  the  church  of  Brooklyn,  called  the  Rev. 
Selah  S.  Woodhull,  as  their  pastor  exclusively.  In  the 
year  1808,  the  churches  of  Flatbush  and  Flatlands, 
united  in  a  call  upon  the  Rev.  Peter  Lowe,  to  become 
their  pastor,  which  was  accepted,  and  he  continued  in  that 
relation,  until  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  on 
the  10th  day  of  June,  1818.  He  was  much  beloved  by 
tjie  people  of  his  charge ;  a  man  of  fervent  piety  and  of 
active  usefulness.  His  death  was  that  of  the  triumphant 
Christian.  His  remains  lie  interred  in  the  public  ceme- 
tery of  this  church. 

In  the  fall  of  the  year  1818,  the  churches  of  Flat- 
bush  and  Flatlands,  made  a  call  on  theRev.  Walter 
Monteith,  who  was  installed  their  pastor  in  the  year 
1819.  He  continued  his  connection  with  this  people 
only  for  a  little  more  than  a  year, — for  on  the  13th 
of  April,  1820,  he  resigned  his  charge,  having  accepted 
a  call  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Schenectady.  After 
the  resignation  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Monteith,  the  congrega- 
tions remained  vacant  for  upwards  of  two  years.  In  the 
month  of  May,  1822,  a  call  was  made  out  by  the  church  of 
Flatbush  alone,  on  the  present  pastor,  which  was  accepted 
by  him,  in  August  of  that  year,  and  on  the  17th  day  of 
November  ensuing,  (1822,)  he  was  installed  by  the  Clas- 
sis  of  Long-Island.  The  combination  between  the  six 
Dutch  churches  in  the  county,  was  not  however  finally 
dissolved,  until  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Martinus  Schoon- 
maker,  which  took  place  on  the  20th  day  of  May,  1824, 
when  he  was  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-seven  years. 
This  venerable  man  was  eminent  for  his  faithful  perfor- 


103 

mance  of  duty,  and  his  devotion  to  his  Masters  work.  He 
continued  to  preach  until  within  a  few  months  of  his 
death, — after  having  served  the  people  of  his  charge  for 
nearly  forty  years,  he  was  gathered  to  his  fathers,  and  his 
end  was  peace. 

In  the  year  1830,  measures  were  first  taken  for  the 
erection  of  the  Consistory  Room  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  of  Flatbush.  The  want  of  accommodation  for 
religious  services,  other  than  those  on  the  Sabbath,  and 
particularly  of  a  suitable  place  in  which  to  hold  the  Sab- 
bath Schools,  had  been  long  felt ;  one  of  the  school  rooms 
in  the  Academy,  had  been  used  for  the  former  purpose, 
and  the  church  for  the  latter.  But  neither  was  such  as 
circumstances  catled  for.  Arrangements  were  according- 
ly made  for  the  erection  of  a  seperate  building,  which 
was  completed  in  1831,  at  the  expense  of  81,195.82.  To 
meet  this,  a  voluntary  subscription,  amounting  to  about 
8600,  was  taken  up  among  the  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion, and  the  balance  was  paid  by  a  donation  from  the 
Ladies'  Sewing  Society,  and  by  the  Consistory,  who  contri- 
buted nearly  $400. 

During  the  winter  of  1836-37,  some  important  im- 
provements were  made  in  the  interior  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church  in  Flatbush.  We  need  not  particularly 
specify  them,  as  they  are  all  well  known  to  the  present 
inhabitants.  The  pews  on  the  ground  floor,  were  all  re- 
modelled, and  rendered  more  comfortable,  and  a  gallery 
was  erected  across  the  east  end  of  the  church. 

Reformed  Dutch  Church  at  New-Lots. 

In  the  year  1823,  measures  were  taken  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  church  edifice  in  New-Lots.     The  building  was 


104 

commenced  in  that  year,  and  finished  in  the  succeeding 
spring.  It  was  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God, 
in  July  1824,  on  which  occasion  the  Rev.  John  Alburtis, 
then  a  minister  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  officiated. 
During  the  period  when  the  building  was  erecting,  efforts 
were  made  to  have  that  part  of  the  congregation  of  Flat- 
bush  organised  into  a  separate  church.  But  they  had 
been  ineffectual.  On  the  12th  of  August  1824,  however, 
the  Classis  of  Long-Island  resolved  that  they  should  be- 
come  a  distinct  congregation;  and  took  measures  ac- 
cordingly, to  organize  them  into  a  church,  which  took 
place  in  the  latter  part  of  that  month,  the  late  Rev.  David 
S.  Bogart,  by  order  of  the  Classis,  officiating  on  the  oc- 
casion. During  the  succeeding  winter,  they  united  with 
the  church  of  Flatlands  in  making  out  a  call  upon  the 
Rev.  William  Crookshank,  a  licentiate  from  the  Theolo- 
gical Seminary  at  New-Brunswick,  who  in  February. 
1825,  was  ordained  by  the  Classis,  and  installed  pastor  of 
the  churches  of  New-Lots  and  Flatlands.  He  continued 
his  connection  with  this  people,  for  a  little  more  than  ten 
years.  In  April  1835,  he  resigned  his  charge  and  re- 
moved to  the  village  of  Newburgh.  On  the  22d  of  jMarch 
1836,  the  Rev.  J.  Abeel  Baldwin,  having  accepted  their 
call,  was  installed  pastor  of  these  churches,  who  is  still 
officiating  among  them  with  much  acceptance  and  useful- 
ness. 

Episcopal  Church  at  Flatbush. 

In  June  1836,  incipient  steps  were  taken  to  organize  an 
Episcopal  Church  in  Flatbush.  The  first  service  pre- 
paratory to  this,  was  held  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cutler,  of 
Brooklyn,  in  the  Consistory  Room  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 


vj^BSsgW^^^' 


i 


105 

Church,  which  had  been  offered  for  the  occasion,  by  the 
Consistory.  In  reference  to  this  enterprize,  although  it 
was  the  first  attempt  to  introduce  the  services  of  another 
denomination  of  Christians  in  the  town,  the  kindest  feel- 
ings were  entertained  and  expressed,  and  such  facilities 
were  afforded  to  further  it  as  Christian  courtesy  dictated, 
on  behalf  of  the  officers  and  members  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church.  On  the  11th  of  July,  1836,  the  follow- 
ing  persons  were  chosen  to  constitute  the  first  Vestry,  viz : 
Matthew  Clarkson  and  Robert  J.Crommelin,  Wardens ; 

'■     David  Johnson,  James   Mowatt,   George  Cornell,  C.  Du- 

t     rand,   Charles  Waldron,   A.   Norrie,    William  H.  Story 

)     and  Samuel  Richards,  Jr.,  Vestrymen. 

!  The  corner  stone  of  the  church  was  laid  in  accordance 
with  the  forms  and  provisions  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  on  the  13th  day  of  August,  1836,  by  the  Right 
Rev.  B.  T.  Onderdonk,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  New- 
York,  wlien  Tt  was  named  the  "  St.  Paul's  Church  of  Flat- 
bush."  An  address  was  delivered  on  the  occasion,  by  the 
Rev.  Benjamin  C.  Cutler,  D.  D.  The  building,  which 
will  well  compare  with  any  of  its  size,  for  beauty,  neat- 
.ness  and  symmetry,  was  finished  in  the  fall  of  the  same 
year.  The  cost  of  this  edifice,  including  certain  improve- 
ments around  the  church,  and  the  organ,  was  $8,480. 
To  meet  this,  a  subscription  was  taken  from  sundry  indi- 
viduals, amounting  to  $2,398.  The  balance,  which  was 
$6,082,  was  generously  contributed  by  Matthew  Clark- 
son,  Esq. 

On  the  23d  of  December,  1836,  the  Rev.  Thomas  S. 
Brittain,  was  chosen  the  first  rector.  The  church  was 
consecrated  to  the  service  of  Almighty  God,  by  the  Bishop 
of  the  Diocese,  on  the  29th  day  of  December,  in  the  same 
year.     The  instrument  of  donation  was  read  by  the  Rev. 


106 

Mr.  Brittain,  the  rector,  and  the  instrument  of  consecra- 
tion, by  the  Rev.  John  F.   Messenger,   assistant.     From 
that  time  forth,  services  were  regularly  held  in  the  church 
on  every  Sunday  ;  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brittain  the  rector,  offi- 
ciating in  the  afternoon,    and  the    Rev.  Mr.  Messenger, 
the  assistant,  in  the  morning.     On  September  1st,  1837, 
the  Rev.  Mr.    Messenger  resigned,  and  on  the  3d  of  the 
same  month,  the  Rev.  James  Coghlan  commenced  officiat- 
ing in  his  place.     The  Rev.  Mr.    Brittain  resigned  his 
rectorship,  on  the  29th  of  March,    1838,  and  on   the  6th 
day  of  April,  in  the  same  year,   the  Rev.  Mr.  Coghlan 
succeeded  as  rector.     He  continued  to  officiate  as  such, 
until  the  fall  of  the  succeeding  year,  when,  in  conse- 
quence of  his  removal  to  England,  he   resigned.     This 
took  place  on  the  21st  of  October,  1839.     On  the  30th  of 
March,   1840,    the   Rev.   William  Barlow,    the    present 
worthy  rector,  was  elected  to  that  office,  with  whose  excel- 
lencies of  mind  and  character,  the  inhabitants  of  the  to\vn 
are  well  acquainted.* 

Reformed  Dutch  Church  at  East  New- York. 

In  the  year  1838,  a  new  Reformed  Dutch  Church  was 
built  at  East  New- York,  a  settlement  of  some  considera- 
ble extent,  w^hich  has  grown  up  in  the  north  west  part  of 
New-Lots,  bordering  on  the  turnpike.  This  church  was 
dedicated  to  the  service  of  God,  in  the  spring  of  the  suc- 
ceeding year,  and  in  the  month  of  May,  of  that  year,  1839, 
the  Rev.  William  H.  Campbell,  was  installed  as  their  pas- 
tor.    He  continued  his  connection  with  them  until  the  fall 


♦  The  Rev.  Mr.  Barlow,  resigned  his  rectorship,  on  or  about  the 
1st  of  April,  1842, 


107 

of  1841,  when  he  removed  to  Albany,  to  take  charge  of 
the  Third  Reformed  Dutch  Church  of  that  city. 

Thus,  in  the  good  providence  of  God,  have  churches 
been  multiplied  within  the  bounds  of  the  town  of  Flat- 
bush.  Twenty  years  ago  there  was  but  one  edifice  for 
the  accommodation  of  all  the  community.  Now  we  have 
four  respectable  churches,  besides  a  building  which  a  few 
years  ago  was  put  up  in  the  woods,  between  this  and  New. 
Lots,  for  the  use  of  the  colored  population,  particularly  of 
the  Methodist  denomination.  Would,  that  while  these  fa- 
cilities for  divine  worship  are  afforded,  and  the  various 
ministers  in  our  bounds  are  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath  pro- 
claiming the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ,  all  our  inha- 
bitants may  become  wise  unto  salvation. 


LITERARY     HISTORY. 


Village  School. 


No  principle  was  more  deeply  engraved  upon  the  heart 
of  the  Hollander  than  that  "  the  church   and  the    school 
must  be  maintained  ;"  a  principle  of  the  soundest  wisdom, 
and  of  the  most  practical  utility.    For,  without  education, 
morality  and  religion,  there  can  be  no  foundation  for   so- 
cial order  and  prosperity.    These  are  the  great  safeguards 
of  the  community,  and  where  these  are  fostered  and  en- 
couraged, we  have  reason  to  expect  not  only  intelligence 
and  virtue,  but  a  due  respect  to  the  laws  of  the  land,  and 
to  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  those  who  are  associated 
in  any  one  community.     Accordingly,    the  early   Dutch 
settlers  in  Flatbush,  imbued  with  the  principle  which  has 
just  been  mentioned,  soon  after  their  settlement,  took  mea- 
sures for  the  education  of  their  children,  and  the  mainte- 
nance of  suitable  schools.     Among  the  first  records  of  the 
town,  we  find  notice  of  the  employment  of  a  schoolmaster. 
Much  care  seems  to  have  been  taken,  not  only  in  the  se- 
lection, but  in  the  agreements  formed  with  the  teachers  of 
their  children.     The  first  schoolmaster  of  whom  we  have 
any  knowledge,   was   Adrian  Hegeman.     He  was  one  of 
the  original  proprietors  of  the  town,  and   was   the  owner 
of  the  farm  lying  immediately  north  of  the  property  now 
in  the  tenure  of  Mr.  Isaac  Cortelvou.     He  was  the  ances- 
tor  of  the  widow  of  the  late  Peter  Lefferts,  and  probably 


109 


of  the  whole   family  of  Hegemans,  now  living.     He  was 
engaged  as  schoolmaster  from  1659,  to  1671. 

From  the  records  of  the  town,  it  appears  that  the 
schoolmaster  acted  as  Town  Clerk,  and  as  the  rates 
of  tuition  were  low,  previously  to  the  American  re- 
volution, the  offices  of  sexton,  and  "  Foresinger,"  or 
chorister,  of  the  church,  were  conferred  upon  him, 
with  a  view  to  increase  his  emoluments.  He  receiv- 
ed all  interment  fees,  for  infants  and  adults,  accord- 
ing to  a  scale  of  established  prices,  and  for  his  services  as 
chorister,  he  was  paid  an  annual  salary  by  the  Consisto- 
ry of  the  church.  The  chorister,  in  addition  to  his  duty  of 
taking  the  lead  in  setting  und  singing  the  Psalms  and 
Hymns,  was  also  required  to  ring  the  bell  for  all  public  ser- 
vices, to  read  the  commandments  at  the  commencement  of 
the  morning  worship,  and  the  Apostles  creed,  in  the  after- 
noon. These  latter  services  were  all  performed  in  the 
Dutch  language,  and  uniformly  continued  so  until  about 
the  year  1790,  at  the  time  when  Mr.  Gabriel  Ellison,  the 
first  English  schoolmaster  left  the  village. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  schoolmasters  of  the  town 
of  Flatbush,  from  the  year  1659,  to  the  year  1$02,  when 
the  village  school  was  removed  into  the  Academy. 

Adrian  Hegeman,         from     1659         to         1671. 

Jacop  Joosten, 

Francays  De  Burynne 

Michael  Hainelle 

Jan  Gerrit  Van  Marckje 

Derick  Storm, 

Jan  Tiebout,  " 

Johannes  Van  Eckkellen,  '• 

Johannes  Schenck,  " 

Jan  Gancell,  " 

10 


(. 


ii 


a 


1671 

1673. 

1673 

1674. 

1674 

1675. 

1675 

1680. 

1680 

1681. 

1681 

1682. 

1682 

1700. 

1700    * 

*    1711. 

1711 

1719. 

1719 

to 

1741. 

1741 

1762. 

1762 

1773. 

1773 

1776. 

1776 

1790. 

1790 

1793. 

1793 

1798. 

1798 

110 

Adrian  Hegeman,         from 

Jores  Remsen,  " 

Petrus  Van  Steenburgh,  " 

Anthony  Welp,  " 

Gabriel  Ellison,  " 

John  Rubell,  " 

Michael  Schoonmaker,    " 

Patrick  Dillon,  " 

Patrick  Noon,  "  1802. 

Specific  and  very  particular  agreements  were  made 
with  these  several  schoolmasters,  which  are  entered  at 
large,  upon  the  town  records.  It  may  be  interesting  to  pre- 
sent one  or  two  of  these,  to  show  the  duties  which  these 
persons  formerly  were  required  to  perform,  and  the  man- 
ner in  which  they  were  to  instruct  the  children.  The  fol- 
lowing is  a  translation  of  the  agreement  made  with  Johan- 
nes Van  Eckkelen,  who  commenced  his  duties  as  school- 
master,  in  Flatbush,  in  the  year  1682. 

"  Johannes  Van  Eckkelen,  a  young  man  from  New- Alba- 
ny, is  hereby  called  and  accepted,  on  the  first  day  of  Oc- 
tober, 1681,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Honorable 
Magistrates,  to  perform  the  duties  heretofore  required  of 
Jan  Thibaud,  in  manner  following :  (1 .)  He  shall  serve  the 
Church  and  School,  according  to  the  existing  ordinances, 
in  the  same  manner,  as  they  have  been  heretofore  perfor- 
med by  the  above  named  Jan  Thibaud,  and  as  hereunder 
written. — (2.)  This  contract  shall  take  effect,  from  the 
first  day  of  October,  Inst,  and  continue  to  the  first  day  of 
May  next,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  trial  of  each  other 
in  the  mean  time. — (3.)  For  the  performance  of  the  above 
duties,  he  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  the  sum  of  234  guil- 
ders, in  grain,  valued  in  Seewant,  with  the  other  privile- 
ges appertaining  to  the  calling,  during  the  time  specified. 


Ill 

ARTICLES  OF  AGREEMENT 

WITH 

JOHANNES    VAN    ECKKELEN. 

Accepted  Schoohnaster  and  Chorister  of  Flathush. 

School  Service. — I.  The  school  shall  begin  at  eight 
o'clock,  and  go  out  at  eleven ;  and  in  the  afternoon  shall 
begin  at  one  o'clock,  and  end  at  four.  The  bell  shall  be 
rung  when  the  school  commences.* 

II.  When  the  school  begins,  one  of  the  children  shall 
read  the  morning  prayer,  as  it  stands  in  the  catechism, 
and  close  with  the  prayer  before  dinner ;  in  the  afternoon 
it  shall  begin  with  the  prayfer  after  dinner,  and  end  with 
the  evening  prayer.  The  evening  school  shall  begin  with 
the  Lord's  prayer,  and  close  by  singing  a  psalm. 

III.  He  shall  instruct  the  children  on  every  Wednesday 
and  Saturday,  in  the  common  prayers,  and  the  questions 
and  answers  in  the  catechism,  to  enable  them  to  repeat 
them  the  better  on  Sunday  before  the  afternoon  service, 
or  on  Monday,  when  ihey  shall  be  catechised  before  the 
congregation.  Upon  all  such  occasions,  the  schoolmas- 
ter shall  be  present,  and  shall  require  the  children  to  be 
friendly  in  their  appearance  and  encourage  them  to  an- 
swer freely  and  distincly. 

IV.  He  shall  be  required  to  keep  his  school  nine 
months  in  succession,  from  September  to  June,  in  each 


♦  The  bell  used  on  these  occasions  was  the  church  bell.  The  prac- 
tice of  ringing  tliis  bell  at  the  opening  of  the  school  continued  till  the 
year  1794,  when  the  second  church  was  taken  down.  The  church 
bell  was  also  used  by  the  Academy,  for  nearly  ten  years. 


112 

year,  in  case  it  should  be  concluded  upon  to  retain  his 
services  for  a  year  or  more,  or  without  limitation  ;  and  he 
shall  then  be  required  to  be  regulated  by  these  articles, 
and  to  perform  the  same  duties  which  his  predecessor,  Jan 
Thibaud,  above  named,  was  required  to  perform.  In  ev- 
ery particular  therefore,  he  shall  be  required  to  keep 
school,  according  to  this  seven  months  agreement,  and  shall 
always  be  present  himself. 

Church  Service. — I.  He  shall  keep  the  church  clean, 
and  ring  the  bell  three  times  before  the  people  assemble 
to  attend  the  preaching  and  catechising.  Also  before  the 
sermon  is  commenced,  he  shall  read  a  chapter  out  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  and  that,  bet]j^een  the  second  and  third 
ringing  of  the  bell.  After  the  third  ringing  he  shall  read 
the  ten  commandments,  and  the  twelve  articles  of  our 
faith,  and  then  take  the  lead  in  singing.  In  the  afternoon 
after  the  third  ringing  of  the  bell,  he  shall  read  a  short 
chapter,  or  one  of  the  Psalms  of  David,  as  the  congrega- 
tion are  assembling  ;  and  before  divine  service  commen- 
ces, shall  introduce  it,  by  the  singing  of  a  Psalm  ^r  Hymn. 

II. —  When,  the  minister  shall  preach  at  Brooklyn,  or 
New-Utrecht,  he  shall  be  required  to  read  twice  before  the 
congregation,  from  the  book  commonly  used  for  that  pur- 
pose. In  the  afternoon  he  shall  also  read  a  sermon  on  the 
explanation  of  the  catechism,  according  to  the  usage  and 
practice  approved  of  by  the  minister.  The  children  as 
usual,  shall  recite  their  questions  and  answers  out  of  the 
catechism,  on  Sunday,  and  he  shall  instruct  them  therein. 
He,  as  chorister,  shall  not  be  required  to  perform  these 
duties,  whenever  divine  service  shall  be  performed  in 
Flatlands,  as  it  would  be  unsuitable,  and  prevent  many 
from  attending  there. 


113 

III. — For  the  administration  of  Holy  Baptism,  he  shall 
provide  a  basin  with  water,  for  which  he  shall  be  entitled 
to  receive  from  the  parents,  or  witnesses,  twelve  styvers. 
He  shall,  at  the  expense  of  the  church,  provide  bread  and 
wine,  for  the  celebration  of  the  Holy  Supper  ;  He  shall  be 
in  duty  bound  promptly  to  furnish  the  minister  with  the 
name  of  the  child  to  be  baptized,  and  with  the  names  of 
the  parents  and  witnesses.  And  he  shall  also  serve  as 
messenger  for  the  consistory. 

IV. — He  shall  give  the  funeral  invitations,  dig  the 
grave,  and  toll  the  bell,  for  which  service  he  shall  receive 
for  a  person  of  fifteen  yearsand  upwards,  twelve  guilders, 
and  for  one  under  that  age,  eight  guilders.  If  he  should 
be  required  to  give  invitations  beyond  the  limits  of  the 
town,  he  shall  be  entitled  to  three  additional  guilders,  for 
the  invitation  of  every  other  town,  and  if  he  should  be  re- 
quired to  cross  the  river,  and  go  to  New-York,  he  shall 
receive  four  guilders. 

School  Money. — He  shall  receive  from  those  who  at- 
tend the  day  school,  for  a  speller  or  reader,  three  guilders 
a  quarter,  and  for  a  writer  four  guilders.  From  those 
who  attend  evening  school,  for  a  speller  or  reader,  four 
guilders,  and  for  a  writer,  six  guilders  shall  be  given. 

Salary. — In  addition  to  the  above,  his  salary  shall  con- 
sist  of  four  hundred  guilders,  in  grain,  valued  in  Seewant, 
to  be  delivered  at  Brooklyn  Ferry,  and  for  his  services 
from  October  to  May,  as  above  stated,  a  sum  of  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty-four  guilders,  in  the  same  kind,  with  the 
dwelling  house,  barn,  pasture  lot,  and  meadows,  to  the 
school  appertaining.  The  same  to  take  effect  from  the 
first  day  of  October,  Instant. 

10* 


114' 

Done  and  agreed  upon  in  Consistory,  under  the  inspec- 
tion of  the  Honorable  Constable  and  Overseers,  the  8th, 
of  October,  1682. 

Constable  and  Overseers.  The  Consistory. 

Cornelius  Berrian  Casparus  Van  Zuren,  Minister^ 

Rynier  Aertsen,  Adriaen  Reyerse, 

Jan  Remsen,  Cornelis  Barent  Vandewtck. 

I  agree  to  the  above  articles,  and  promise  to  perform 
them  according  to  the  best  of  my  ability. 

JOHANNES  VAN  ECKKELEN." 

Many  of  the  provisions  of  this  agreement  are  caFculat- 
ed  at  this  day  to  excite  a  smile.     But  in  one  particular  it 
is  to  be   admired.     It  shows  how  careful  and  exact  our 
forefathers  were,  in  embuing  the  minds  of  the  young  and 
rising  generation,  with  a  reverence  for  the  God  of  their  ex- 
istence,  and  with  a  knowledge  of  the  principles  of  our  ho- 
ly religion.     These  are  matters  which  we  cannot   too  sa- 
credly guard.      Mere  secular  knowledge    is  not  a    safe- 
guard to  personal  virtue,  nor  to  the  security  of  the  State. 
Sound  education  consists  not  simply  in  the  cultivation  of 
the  mind,  but  in  the  infusion  of  moral  and  religious  prin- 
ciples.    Without  the  latter,  it  is  but  a  frail  support  of  the 
great  temple  of  liberty  and  independence.     But  when  mo- 
ral principles  are  inculcated  in  connection  with  intellectu- 
al light,  we  may  hope  to  see  the  youth  growing  up  in  vir- 
tue and  proving  ornaments  in  their  day,  and  supports  to 
the  church  and  the  state.     Such  was  the  deep  rooted  sen- 
timent of  the  early  Dutch  settlers,  and  was  transmitted  by 
them  to  their   immediate    descendants.     And  hence  the 
careful  provisions  in  all  their  agreements  with  their  school- 


115 

masters.  At  that  time  religious  instruction  could  be  in- 
troduced in  the  schools  without  any  difficulty,  as  all  the 
community  were  of  one  faith — All  adhering  to  theBelgic 
Confession,  the  articles  of  the  Synod  of  Dort,  and  the  Ca- 
techisms of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  Such  a  mode  of 
instruction  however,  from  the  present  state  of  society,  and 
the  multiplication  ofreligioussects,  cannot  now  be  pursued. 
But  we  deprecate  the  day,  when  the  Bible  shall  be  exclu- 
ded from  our  common  schools,  and  no  care  taken  to  in- 
still into  the  minds  of  the  young,  sound  moral  principles, 
the  principles  of  the  religion  of  Christ. 

We  have  presented  an  agreement  formed  with  a  school- 
master, in  the  year  1682.  We  now  give  one  made  in  the 
year  1773,  nearly  one  hundred  years  after,  with  Anthony 
Welp,  the  last  teacher  of  the  Dutch  language.  As  will 
be  seen,  it  contains  many  of  the  provisions  of  the  former, 
and  is  based  in  general,  upon  the  same  principles. 

"  In  Kings  County, 
"  Flatdush,  August  18,  1773. 

'•'  The  undersigned,  PhilippusNagel,  Johannes  Ditmars 
and  Cornelius  Vanderveer,  Jr.,  being  authorized  by  the 
town  of  Flatbush,  to  call  a  schoolmaster  for  the  same 
town,  have  agreed  with  Mr.  Anthony  Welp,  to  keep 
school  in  the  following  manner. 

"  First  the  school  shall  begin  and  end  in  a  Christian- 
like manner  :  At  8  o'clock  in  the  morning  it  shall  begin 
with  the  morning  prayer,  and  end  at  11  o'clock,  with 
prayer. 

"  1st.  For  dinner.  At  1  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  it 
shall  begin  with  the  prayer  after  meat,  and  at  4  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon,  end  with  the  evening  prayer. 


116 

"  2d.  The  above  named  schoolmaster  shall  teach  child- 
ren and  adult  persons,  low  dutch  and  english  spelling  and 
reading,  and  also  cyphering  to  all  who  may  desire  or  re- 
quest such  instruction. 

"  3d.  The  above  named  schoolmaster  shall  have  for  the 
instruction  of  every  child  or  person,  in  low  dutch  spelling, 
reading  and  writing,  the  sum  of  four  shillings :  for  those 
who  are  instructed  in  english  spelling,  reading  and  writ- 
ing,  the  sum  of  five  shillings  :  and  for  those  who  are  in- 
structed in  cyphering,  the  sum  of  six  shillings :  and  that 
for  three  months  instruction :  and  also  a  load  of  firewood 
shall  be  brought  for  each  scholar,  every  nine  months,  for 
the  use  of  the  school. 

"  4th.  The  above  schoolmaster  shall  keep  school  five  days 
in  every  week  :  once  in  each  week  in  the  afternoon,  the 
scholars  shall  learn  the  questions  and  answers  in  Borges 
Catechism  :  or  the  questions  and  answers  in  the  Hei- 
dleburgh  Catechism,  with  the  scripture  texts  thereto  be- 
longing, or  as  it  may  be  desired  by  the  scholar  or  by  his 
guardian,  for  any  other  day  in  the  week,  so  as  to  be  most 
beneficial  to  the  one  instructed. 

"  5th.  The  above  named  schoolmaster  shall  occupy  the 
school-house,  with  the  appurtenances  thereto  belonging, 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  same  was  occupied  by  the 
schoolmaster,  Petrus  Van  Steenburgh.  Also,  the  above 
named  schoolmaster  shall  be  yearly  paid  by  the  AVorthy 
Consistory,  the  sum  of  four  pounds,  to  attend  to  the  churcli 
services,  such  as  reading  and  singing  ;  and  for  the  inter- 
ment of  the  dead,  the  above  named  schoolmaster  shall  be 
entitled  to  receive  so  much  as  is  customary  in  the  above 
named  town. 

"  6th,  and  Lastly.  The  above  agreement  shall  be  obli- 
gatory for  such  length  of  time  as  the  present  schoolmas- 


117 

ter  shall  render  his  services  amongst  us.  But  if  it  should 
so  happen  that  the  town  should  not  require  the  services  of 
the  above  named  schoolmaster,  any  longer  after  the  ex- 
piration of  one  year :  in  such  case  the  schoolmaster  shall 
have  three  months  notice  thereof,  from  the  above  authoriz- 
ed persons,  or  from  such  persons  as  may  be  thereto  ap- 
pointed. And  if  the  above  named  schoolmaster  should 
desire  to  discontinue  his  services,  he  shall  in  like  manner 
give  the  town  three  months  previous  notice  of  his  intention. 

For  the  mutual  performance  of  this  agreement,  we 
have  signed  this  with  our  hands. 

N.  B.  The  above  sums  of  money  mentioned  in  the 
Third  Article,  shall  be  paid  by  those  who  send  the  scho- 
lars to  school. 

"  PHILLIPPUS  NAGEL, 
JOHANNES  DITMARS, 
CORS.   V.  D.  VEER,  Junk. 
ANTHONY   WELP." 

We  have  not  been  able  to  gather  any  information  rela- 
tive to  the  character  or  attainments  of  these  early  school- 
masters. Nor  have  we  met  with  any  of  their  literary 
productions.  We  cannot,  however,  refrain  in  this  place, 
from  presenting  the  following  rare  specimen  of  poetic  pro- 
ficiency, which  we  find  on  the  title  page  of  the  first 
Minute  Book  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  the  County 
of  Kings.  It  was  composed  by  J.  M.  Sperling  of  Flat- 
bush,  who  was  chosen  clerk  of  the  board,  in  the  year  1716. 

"  My  loving  Friends  of  this  County  See, 
That  you  hereby  may  Regulated  Bee — 

Fear  God  and  Keep  the  Law  with  Love  of  one  accord 

And  be  Obdient  to  our  Soveraiane  Lord 


118 

Then  you  will  meet  with  Men  that  Sees 

Tliat  Doth  according  to  Law  bv  Words  and  Deeds 

Imploy'd  the  same  within  your  Port 

Tliat  is  my  advice  now  in  short — " 

The  school-house  referred  to  in  the  agreements  which 
we  have  presented,  was  located  on  a  triangular  lot  of 
ground  situated  on  the  east  side  of  the  main  street,  di- 
rectly opposite  to  the  old  parsonage  and  present  Consisto- 
ry Room,  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  store  of  Mr. 
Michael  Schoonmaker  &  Son.  There  were  three  distinct 
buildings  joined  together,  and  evidently  erected  at  differ- 
ent periods  of  time.  The  most  eastern,  which  was  pro- 
bably the  first  erected  in  the  town,  was  built  of  stone, 
and  stood  about  sixty  feet  from  the  street,  being  one  story 
high.  The  second  was  composed  of  wood,  more  elevated 
than  the  first,  having  a  steep  roof  in  front,  and  a  long 
sloping  roof  in  the  rear,  reaching  so  near  the  ground  as  to 
admit  of  only  a  small  window  behind.  The  third  was 
also  a  frame  building,  of  more  modern  date,  the  gable 
end  of  which  fronted  the  street,  and  stood  on  a  line  with 
it,  but  built  in  the  same  style  as  the  last — the  roofs  exact- 
ly corresponding  with  each  other,  and  although  it  was 
probably  erected  fifty  years  subsequently,  still  the  same 
model  was  tenaciously  adhered  to.  The  whole  fronted  to 
the  south,  with  the  gable  end,  as  we  have  said,  to  the 
road,  having  two  rooms  in  front  and  two  small  rooms  in 
the  rear,  and  in  more  modern  times  the  east  end  of  the 
building  served  as  a  kitchen.  The  westerly  front  room 
was  always  used  as  the  school-room,  and  the  small  room 
in  the  rear  of  it,  (usually  called  the  "  prison,"  from  the  fact 
that  unruly  boys  were  occasionally  confined  in  it,)  was 
also  used  for  school  purposes,  when  the  number  of  schol- 


119 

ars  was  too  great  to  be  accommondated  in  the  front  school- 
room. The  residue  of  the  building,  with  the  kitchen  and 
barn,wasoccupiedby  the  schoolmaster  and  his  family.  The 
village  school  was  kept  in  this  building  until  about  the 
year  1803.  In  the  year  1805,  the  old  school-house  was 
sold  to  Bateman  Lloyd,  Esq.,  who  took  it  down,  and  with 
the  timber  and  other  materials  of  it,  built  a  store  on  his 
own  premises,  a  few  feet  north  of  his  dwelling-house. 
The  building  erected  with  these  materials,  continued  to  be 
kept  as  a  dry-goods  and  grocery  store,  until  the  year 
1825,  when  it  was  removed  and  converted  into  a  barn, 
now  on  the  premises  owned  and  occupied  by  Dr.  Zabris- 
kie.  After  the  school-house  was  removed,  the  lot  on 
which  it  stood,  laid  in  common  for  some  time.  During 
the  last  war  with  Great  Britain,  the  government  erected 
a  gun  house  upon  the  north  west  angle  of  the  lot,  suffi- 
ciently large  to  hold  two  heavy  field  pieces.  About  the  same 
time,  the  store  now  owned  by  Mr.  Michael  Schoonmaker, 
was  built  upon  part  of  the  premises,  and  in  the  year  1823, 
the  present  parsonage  house  was  erected  on  the  southern 
portion  of  it,  which  embraces  all  the  ground  commonly 
called  the  school  lot. 

The  first  person  who  taught  English,  was  Petrus  Van 
Steenburgh.  He  was  schoolmaster  from  the  year  1762, 
to  1773.  At  what  time  precisely  he  commenced  teaching 
Encrlish  we  cannot  tell.  But  he  had  at  the  same  time,  as 
well  as  his  successor,  pupils  in  both  the  Dutch  and  En- 
glish language.  And  as  all  the  scholars  were  in  the 
habit  of  speaking  Dutch,  it  required  some  little  manage- 
ment  on  the  part  of  the  worthy  school-master  to  make  his 
pupils  who  were  learning  English  use  that  language  en- 
tirely. His  rule  was  that  no  scholar  who  was  instructed 
in  English  should  speak  a  Dutch  word  in  school,  and  if 


120 

he  did  so  he  should  be  punished.  In  order  to  detect  these 
persons,  he  had  a  pewter  token  about  the  size  of  a  dollar, 
which  was  given  to  the  one  who  first  spoke  a  Dutch  word 
alter  the  school  was  opened.  He  gave  it  to  the  next  one 
whom  he  heard  speak  Dutch,  and  so  it  passed  from 
one  to  another ;  but  the  boy  in  whose  possession  the  token 
was  found  at  the  close  of  the  school,  appears  to  have  been 
the  scapegoat  for  the  whole,  for  he  was  severely  ferruled 
upon  his  hand  by  the  faithful  Petrus  Van  Steenburgh,  who 
took  great  delight  in  finding  the  successful  operation  of  his 
most  ingenious  device  to  detect  the  unhappy  wight  who 
spoke  a  Dutch  word. 

The  first  select  Classical  school,  which  was  opened  in 
this  town,  was  commenced  by  one  John  Copp.  His  school 
was  held  at  first  in  a  small  house  lately  belonging  to 
Judge  Garrit  Martense,  which  stood  on  the  lot  now  occu- 
pied by  Mr.  Seymour,  and  which  has  been  cut  in  two,  and 
converted  into  barns  and  stables.  From  this  he  removed 
and  taught  in  the  south  room  of  the  house  of  Cornelius  An- 
tonides.  At  what  date  he  opened  his  school,  cannot  be  as- 
certained with  precision.  An  advertisement  over  his  name 
is  found  in  "  the  New- York  Journal,  or  General  Advertis- 
er," published  by  John  Holt,  under  the  date  of  July,  4th, 
1774.  In  this,  he  states,  that  "  he  has  for  sometime  kept  a 
grammar  school  in  Flatbush."  In  this  advertisement  he 
"proposes"  (to  use  his  own  words,)  "  to  teach  the  Latin  and 
Greek  languages  and  Arithmetic  in  the  correctest  and  best 
manner,  besides  reading,  writing,  and  principles  of  English 
Grammar."  His  terms  were $50  a  year  for  boarding;  and 
tuition  not  to  exceed  $15  yearly.  He  refers  to  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Cooper,  President  of  Kings  (now  Columbia)  College,  to 
the  Hon.  William  Axtell,  who  then  resided  in  Flatbush, 
and  to  Andrew  Elliott,  Collector  of  His  Majesty's  Cus- 


121 

toms  in  New-York.  He  adds — "  Dr.  Cooper  proposes  to 
visit  the  school  quarterly,  when  the  scholars  will  be  ex- 
amined." 

This  school  of  Mr.  Copp  appears  to  have  been  well 
patronised.  Many  of  the  most  respectable  and  influential 
inhabitants  of  New-York  entrusted  their  children  to  his 
care.  Henry  Remsen,  the  late  President  of  the  Manhat- 
tan Company,was  one  of  his  scholars,  besides  many  others. 
This  school  was  broken  up  by  the  war  of  the  American 
Revolution,  and  Mr.  Copp  afterwards  joined  the  army. 

During  the  period  of  the  struggle  for  Am.erican  Inde- 
pendence, the  school  in  Flatbush  was  taught  by  Mr.  Gab- 
riel Ellison.  He  was  an  Englishman  by  birth,  and^was 
the  first  teacher  who  taught  English  exclusively.  He 
had  been  a  considerable  time  among  the  Indians  in  Cana- 
da— and  although  a  man  of  eccentric  habits,  was  a  good 
schoolmaster,  in  proof  of  which,  we  may  remark,  that  in 
addition  to  village  scholars,  he  had  many  others  from 
Brooklyn  and  other  places.  In  order  to  entitle  him  to  re- 
ceive all  the  emoluments  which  his  predecessors  had  en- 
joyed,  it  was  indispensably  necessary  that  he  should 
acquire  a  knowledge  of  the  Dutch,  so  as  to  enable  him  to 
perform  the  duties  of  sexton  and  chorister  in  that  lan- 
guacre.  This  he  readily  undertook,  and  although  he 
committed  many  blunders  in  the  onset,  yet  by  diligence 
and  perseverance,  he  overcome  his  many  difficulties,  and 
was  soon  fully  inducted  into  the  offices  of  sexton  and 
chorister.  These  offices  he  held  until  he  left  the  village 
school,  about  1790,  and  performed  them  generally  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  inhabitants. 

Many  incidents  of  quite  an  amusing  character,  are  re- 
lated of  him  during  his  residence  here.     We  will  mention 

11 


122 

one  or  two.  As  sexton,  it  was  his  duty  to  ring  the  bell 
and  give  alarms  during  the  revolutionary  war.  The 
village  was  often  disturbed  during  that  period,  and  Mr. 
Ellison,  from  his  office,  and  from  his  living  near  the 
church,  usually  warned  the  inhabitants  by  ringing  the 
bell.  On  one  occasion  an  alarm  was  sounded  in  the  night 
time.  Ellison  not  being  able  to  find  his  small  clothes, 
(for  pantaloons  were  not  known  in  those  days,)  seized  his 
wife's  calimanco  petticoat,  which  he  hastily  drew  on,  and 
ran  to  the  church,  where  he  was  found  dressed  in  this 
style,  pulling  away  like  a  lusty  fellow  at  the  bell  rope. 
Such  a  sight  must  have  put  to  flight  all  the  fears  of  the 
inhabitants,  and  turned  the  scene  of  alarm  into  one  of 
merriment. 

During  part  of  the  time  that  Ellison  was  chorister  of 
the  church,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Van  Sinderen,  was  pastor  of  the 
church.  The  Domine  was  preaching  on  a  certain  occa- 
sion  in  the  Dutch  language,  on  the  subject  of  the  con- 
version of  the  Philippian  Jailor,  and  as  he  was  a  man  of 
somewhat  eccentric  habiis,  he  made  frequent  digressions 
from  his  subject.  During  his  discourse  at  this  time,  he 
said  he  would  stake  a  wager  that  there  was  not  one  man 
in  the  church  who  knew  the  English  of  the  Dutch  word, 
"  Stookwaarder.^^  This  bet  was  several  times  repeated 
by  the  Domine.  At  length  Ellison,  who  in  virtue  of  his 
office  of  chorister,  occupied  the  front  seat  in  the  Deacons 
pew,  thinking  himself  the  best  English  scholar  present, 
bawled  out  with  a  loud  voice.  "  Jailor  sir.''  Mr.  Van 
Sinderen  feeling  somewhat  mortified  at  this  unexpected 
reply,  (for  he  wished  to  have  given  the  answer  himself,) 
looked  down  upon  Ellison  with  some  degree  of  scorn,  and 
said  to  him,  "you  must  never  talk  when  I  preach." 


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123 

Erasmus  Hall. 

Not  long  after  the  peace,  measures  were  taken  for  the 
founding  a  respectable  Academy  in  the  town  of  Flatbush. 
The  projectors  of  the  enterprize  were  the  Rev.  Dr.  John 
H.  Livingston,  who  then  residing  in  Flatbush,  and  Sena- 
tor  John  Vanderbilt.  The  latter  was  a  man  of  great  pub- 
lic spirit,  and  of  large  and  liberal  views.  He  took  an  ac- 
tive part  in  accomplishing  the  noble  design,  and  soon  ob- 
tained the  active  co-operation  of  several  other  distinguish- 
ed persons.  At  length,  in  the  year  1786,  Jacob  Lefferts, 
Joris  Martense,  Peter  Lefferts,  Johannes  E.  Lott,  Corne- 
lius Vanderveer,  John  Vanderbilt,  William  B.  Gifford,  Pe- 
ter Cornell,  Matthew  Clarkson,  Aquila  Giles,  John  J.  Van- 
derbilt and  Garrit  Martense,  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Flatbush,  associated  together,  and  took  the  necessary 
measures,  for  the  erection  of  a  large  and  commodious 
building,  for  an  academy.  A  subscription  paper  was  cie- 
culated  in  the  village,  and  handed  to  some  friends  in  the 
C'ty  of  New- York,  by  which  the  sum  of  £915.  was  raised 
towards  the  object.     This  subscription  is  as  follows. 

"  Whereas,  this  county  experiences  the  greatest  incon- 
venience, from  the  want  of  a  Public  School  being  erected, 
in  which,  the  English,  Latin  and  Greek  Languages,  with 
other  branches  of  learning,  usual  in  Academies  are  taught, 
and  considering  the  preceding  regulations  and  proposals 
fbr  erecting  the  same,  in  the  township  of  Flatbush,  highly 
beneficial  and  honorable  to  said  county  :  We  the  under- 
written, agree  to  pay  towards  erecting  the  same,  such  sum 
as  is  annexed  to  our  names,  the  one  half  on  the  first  day  of 
April  next,  the  other  half  on  the  first  day  of  August  fol- 
lowing, and  we  further  take  the  liberty  to  solicit  from  the 
friends  of  Literature,  in  New- York,  their  encouragement, 


124 


to  enable  us  to  carry  into  execution  this  laudable  attempt.       1  ^ 

Kings  County,  Flatbush,  February  22d,  1786. 

: 

(Signed,) 

\ 

John  Vanderbilt, 

£100. 

Adriantie  Voorhies, 

30.       |i 

Peter  Lefferts, 

60. 

Hendrick  Suvdam, 

25.       ' 

John  Vanderbilt, 

50. 

William  B.  Gifford, 

20. 

Garrit  Martense, 

50. 

Philip  Nagel. 

15. 

M.  Clarkson, 

50. 

Peter  Cornell, 

15.        ■ 

Joris  Martense, 

50. 

Johannes  Waldron, 

5. 

Aa.  Giles, 

50. 

George  Clinton,  for  any             | 

Jacob  Lefferts, 

50. 

place  in  Kings  Co. 

15.        1 

Johannes  E  Lott, 

50. 

John  Jay, 

15.        1 

Cornelius  Vanderveer, 

50. 

Robert  R.  Livingston 

15.        1 

James  Duane, 

15. 

John  Sloss  Hobart, 

5.         1 

Richard  Varick. 

10. 

James  Giles, 

5. 

Brockholst  Livingston, 

10. 

John  H.  Livingston, 

5. 

Alexander  Hamilton, 

10. 

Comfort  Sands, 

20. 

William  Duer, 

15. 

Samuel  Franklin, 

10. 

Walter  Rutherford 

10. 

Francis  Childs, 

5. 

Carey  Ludlow, 

10. 

Richard  Piatt, 

10. 

Edward  Livingston, 

10. 

W.  Edgar, 

5. 

William  Wilcocks, 

10. 

Sampson  Fleming, 

5.         i 

D.  C.  Verplanck, 

10. 

Aaron  Burr, 

10. 

Mc  Coombe, 

10. 

A 

During  that  year,  1786,  the  building  which  was  one 
hundred  feet  in  front,  and  thirty-six  feet  in  depth,  was  erec- 
ted. We  need  not  here  give  any  particular  description 
of  it,  as  the  inhabitants  are  all  familiar  with  its  appear- 
ance. The  expense  incurred  in  the  completing  of  this 
edifice  amounted  to  $6250.  The  money  obtained  by  vo- 
luntary subscription,  was  first  applied,  but  proved  to  be  in- 
sufficient to  defray  the  expenditures.     The  founders  and 


125 

Ijenefactors  of  the  Institution  then  turned  their  attention  to 
another  source.  There  was  at  that  time  a  considerable 
tract  of  land  lying  east  of  the  village,  belonging  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Flatbush,  and  held  by  them  in  common.  This 
is  what  was  called  Twillers  and  Corlear  Flats.  The  pro- 
prietorsofthe  town  held  rights  in  these  Flats,  which  were 
specified  in  their  deeds,  but  no  one  could  locate  his  par- 
ticular part.  It  was  held  in  common,  and  hence  consent 
was  obtained  for  the  sale  and  disposition  of  the  same.  The 
founders  of  the  Academy  held  proportionate  rights  in  these 
commons,  and  agreed  that  their  respective  proportions 
should  be  applied  towards  paying  the  debt  they  had  con- 
tracted. These  Flats,  as  we  have  heretofore  stated,  were 
sold  at  the  rate  of  816,  an  acre.  The  proceeds  of  the  sale 
of  Corlears  Flats  chiefly  were  devoted  to  the  benefit  of  the 
Academy.  The  whole  amount  by  which  the  Academy 
was  benefited  by  this  sale  was  about  $1500.  The  resi- 
due of  the  amount  of  sales  was  divided  among  those  inha- 
bitants of  the  town  who  would  not  relinquish  their  right  in 
favor  of  the  Academy. 

As  things  where  now  in  a  considerable  state  of 
forwardness,  and  the  building  ready  for  its  intended 
purposes,  the  founders  above  named,  the  more  fully 
to  carry  their  designs  into  effect,  did,  on  the  18th 
day  of  May,  1787,  make  application  to  the  Board  of  Re- 
gents of  the  University  of  the  State  of  New- York,  that  the 
Academy  erected  by  them,  might  be  incorporated  by  that 
Honorable  Body,  and  become  subject  to  their  visitation. 
On  the  20th,  of  November,  1787,  a  charter  of  incorpora- 
tion was  granted  to  John  Vanderbilt,  Walter  Minto,  Peter 
Lefferts,  Johannes  E.  Lott,  Aquila  Giles,  Cornelius  Van- 
derveer,  George  Martense,  Jacob  Lefferts,  William  B.  Gif- 
ford,  Hendrick   Suydam,  John  J.  Vanderbilt,  Martinus 

11* 


126 

Schoonmaker,  Philip  Nagel,  Peter  Cornell,  John  H.  Liv- 
ingston, James  Wilson,  Samuel  Provost,  John  Mason  and 
Comfort  Sands,  as  Trustees  of  the  said  Academy,  by  the 
name  and  style  of  "  The  Trustees  of  Erasmus  Hall,  in 
Kings  County."  The  name  given  to  the  Academy  was  in 
honor  of  Desiderius  Erasmus,  of  Holland,  the  distinguish- 
ed patron  of  literature,  in  the  16th,  Century.  Only  two 
academies  had  been  incorporated  by  the  Regents  previous- 
ly to  this,  so  that  it  is  the  third  oldest  Academy  in  the 
State. 

It  may  be  proper  to  state,  that  James  Wilson,  Samuel 
Provost,  John  Mason  and  Comfort  Sands,  four  of  the  Trus- 
tees named  in  the  Charter  of  Incorporation,  in  consequence 
of  not  living  in  the  town,  never  attended  any  of  the  meet- 
ings of  the  Board,  and  their  places  becoming  vacant,  the 
Rev.  Peter  Lowe,  Garrit  Martense,  Peter  Stryker  and 
Cornelius  Bergen  were  elected  members  of  the  Board. 

The  seminary  was,  from  its  commencement,  opposed  by 
many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush,  who  entertained  a 
strong  and  decided  attachment  to  the  village  school,  and 
consequently  their  influence  and  means  had  a  great  ten- 
dency to  retard  the  rise  and  progress  of  Erasmus  Hall. 
Several  amusing  anecdotes  might  be  told  touching  this. 
Some  were  disposed  to  ascribe  all  their  misfortunes  to  the 
erection  of  the  Academy.  One  worthy  old  gentleman, 
when  unloading  some  bags,  unfortunately  slipped,  and  fell 
from  his  waggon.  He  rose  greatly  incensed,  and  cried 
out,  "  that  Academy  will  never  do." 

The  Trustees  of  the  Institution  however,  though  labor- 
ing under  a  heavy  debt,  and  incumbered  by  various  diffi- 
culties,  were  assiduous  in  their  duty.  They  devised  a 
system  of  instruction,  rules  and  regulations  by  which  the 
Hall  should  be  governed,  and  employed  the  ablest  and 
best  teachers  in  the  difl?erent  departments  of  instruction. 


127 

This  last  measure  however,  while  it  lessened  the  spirit  of 
opposition,  consumed  the  whple  income  of  the  institution, 
as  all  was  annually  expended  in  paying  the  salaries  of 
these  teachers  and  other  expenses  incidental  to  all  literary 
establishments.  The  debt  of  the  Hall,  notwithstanding 
the  most  persevering  exertions  on  the  part  of  the  Trustees, 
amounted  still  to  81,250.  The  Trustees  by  farther  vo- 
luntary contributions,  reduced  somewhat  this  amount,  so 
that  on  the  12th  of  September,  1789,  it  was  81,064.94. 
On  the  17th  day  of  June,  1794,  application  was  made  to 
the  Trustees,  for  the  purchase  of  the  remaining  part  of  the 
commons  which  had  not  been  disposed  of  at  the  first  sale. 
The  proposals  were  accepted,  and  the  conveyances  ac- 
cordingly executed.  With  the  money  arising  from  this 
sale,  the  debt  of  the  Hall  was  reduced  to  8900.  In  this 
situation  it  remained  till  the  year  1808,  when  a  donation 
of  8100,  was  granted  by  the  Regents  of  the  University 
to  the  Trustees  of  Erasmus  Hall,  and  the  same  was  ap- 
plied, in  conjunction  with  other  exertions  of  the  Trustees, 
towards  discharging  the  debt,  and  on  the  13th  of  May, 
1809,  it  was  reduced  to  8668.  It  remained  nearly  at  this 
amount,  till  the  year  1825,  when  the  debt  was  entirely 
liquidated. 

At  a  session  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church,  held  at  Albany,  in  June  1794,  they  resolv- 
ed to  locate  their  Divinity  Hall  in  Flatbush.  Their  pro- 
fessor of  divinity,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston,  had  previously 
resided  here,  and  had  given  instruction  to  such  students  in 
theology  as  put  themselves  under  his  charge.  It  is  to  be 
regretted  that  the  General  Synod  of  the  church  ever  re- 
moved their  Theological  School  from  this  place,  and  lo- 
cated it  in  New-Jersey.  Had  it  been  continued  in  Flat- 
bush,  Erasmus  Hall  would  long  ere  this,  have  grown  into 


128 

a  flourishing  college,  under  the  auspices  of  the  State  of 
New- York,  and  the  literary  as  well  as  theological  inter- 
ests of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  have  been  prospered 
in  a  far  higher  degree  than  they  have  yet  been. 

The  Rev.  John  H.  Livingston,  D.  D.,  who  then  resided 
during  the  summer  seasons,  in  the  house  now  owned  by 
Dr.  Vanderveer,  was  appointed  the  First  Principal  of  the 
Hall.  The  office  at  that  time,  was  chiefly  honorary,  as 
he  performed  no  part  of  the  instruction  in  the  Academy, 
and  so  it  continued  to  be  as  late  as  the  year  1814. 
Mr.  James  Todd,  was  chosen  the  First  Classical,  and  Jo- 
seph Turner,  the  First  English  teacher.  Very  shortly 
afterwards,  John  Gibson,  Edward  Shepherd,  John  Ter- 
hune,  Albert  Oblenis  and  Michael  Schoonmaker,  were 
employed  in  succession,  as  assistant  teachers.  In  the 
year  1792,  Mr.  Todd  resigned,  and  the  Trustees  appoint- 
ed Peter  Wilson,  afterwards  known  as  Dr.  Wilson,  then 
Professor  of  Languages  in  Columbia  College,  the  first  or 
chief  teacher  in  the  Hall.  During  the  period  of  the  ad- 
ministration of  this  distinguished  linguist,  the  Academy 
flourished  rapidly.  A  large  number  of  young  men  from 
the  city  of  New- York,  not  only,  but  from  Georgia,  North 
and  South  Carolina,  Virginia  and  the  West-Indies  were 
sent  here  to  be  educated,  most  of  whom,  boarded  in  the 
respective  families  of  the  town.  Among  these,  some  have 
been  quite  distinguished  in  the  several  professions,  both 
in  church  and  state.     We  may  mention  the  following  : 

William  A.  Duer,  now  President  of  Columbia  College. 

John  Duer,  one  of  the  revisers  of  the  Revised  Statutes 
of  this  state. 

John   Berrian,    late  Attorney   General    of  the  United 
States,  and  now  a  member  of  the  Senate. 

Henry   Jackson,    Secretary   of  Legation    to   France, 
under  the  Hon.  Mr.  Crawford. 


129 

George  M.  Troup,  for  several  terms  Governor  of 
Georgia. 

John  Hunter,  now  a  member  of  the  Senate  of  New- 
York. 

Rev.  Jno.  Blair  Linn,  the  eloquent  minister  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutch  Church,  of  New- York,  and  a  distinguished 
American  poet. 

Rev.  Jno.  H.  Meyers,  pastor  of  the  church  of  Schenec- 
tady. 

Rev.  Jacob  Schoonmaker,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  the  church 
of  Jamaica. 

Rev.  Peter  Labagh,  pastor  of  the  church  of  Harlingen, 
New-Jersey. 

Rev.  Peter  Van  Pelt,  D.D.  pastor  of  the  church  of  West- 
chester. 

Rev.  Philip  Duryee,  D.  D.,  pastor  of  the  church  of 
English  Neighborhood,  N.  J. 

Morris  Miller,  formerly  member  of  Congress  and  First 
Judge  of  Oneida  County. 

We  might  enlarge  this  list  to  a  considerable  extent,  but 
we  forbear. 

On  the  28th  of  November,  1792,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Living- 
ston resigned  the  office  of  Principal  of  the  Hall.  His 
letter  was  received  by  the  board,  on  the  5th  of  December 
in  that  year,  and  at  a  subsequent  meeting  held  on  the  8th 
of  the  same  month,  an  answer  was  agreed  upon,  which 
reflects  the  highest  credit  upon  the  heads  and  hearts  of  the 
Trustees.  In  it  a  most  flattering,  but  entirely  just  tribute, 
is  paid  to  the  general  character  of  Dr.  Livingston,  and 
especially  to  his  zealous  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  Academy. 

Teachers  of  suitable  qualifications  were  from  time  to  time 
employed,  to  assist  in  the  instruction  of  the  pupils  in  the 
English  and  French  languages.  These  we  need  not  enu- 
merate.    On  the  29th  of  June  1797,  Dr.  Wilson  having 


130 

been  again  called  to  the  professorship  of  languages  in 
Columbia  College,  resigned  his  post  as  chief  teacher  in 
the  Academy.  He  appears,  however,  to  have  retained 
nominally,  the  office  of  Principal,  until  December  14th, 
1804,  and  during  this  interval,  attended  the  semi-annual 
examinations,  exercised  a  watchfulness  over  the  institu- 
tion, and  lent  his  aid  in  the  procuring  of  suitable  teachers. 
At  his  resignation,  in  1797,  he  presented  to  the  Trustees, 
the  sum  of  £25,  to  be  appropriated  towards  defraying  the 
debts  of  the  Hall.  Mr.  Albert  Oblenis,  was  appointed 
First  teacher,  in  the  place  of  Dr.  Wilson.  He  continued 
his  connection  with  the  institution,  until  the  year  1806. 
In  the  year  1797,  an  attempt  was  made  on  behalf  of  the 
Trustees  to  obtain  from  -the  Legislature  of  the  State  the 
privilege  of  raising  the  sum  of  JG1,200  by  Lottery,  with 
the  view  of  liquidating  their  debt.  A  similar  effort  was 
made  in  the  year  1809,  but  no  law  was  passed  by  the 
Legislature  for  the  purpose,  and  the  project  was  aban- 
doned. 

An  arrangement  having  been  effected  by  exchange  of 
property,  by  which  the  Trustees  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  of  Flatbush  came  in  possession  of  the  lot  of  land 
on  which  the  academy  is  erected,  they,  on  the  29th  day  of 
December,  in  the  year  1797,  executed  a  lease  of  the 
same  in  perpetuity  to  the  Trustees  of  Erasmus  Hall,  for 
a  certain  consideration,  which  is  named  in  the  instrument. 

Dr.  Wilson  finding  it  inconvenient  to  hold  the  office  of 
Principal  of  the  Hall,  resigned  the  same  in  the  year  1804. 
His  letter  of  resignation  was  received  at  a  meeting  of  the 
board,  held  February  9th,  1805,  when  his  resignation  was 
accepted,  and  the  Rev.  Peter  Lowe  appointed  Principal. 
A  most  respectful  letter  was  addressed  to  Dr. Wilson  on 
the  part  of  the  Trustees,  and  their  acknowledgments  ten- 
dered to  him  for  his  faithful  services  in  the  institution. 


131 

A  little  previous  to  this,  viz.,  in  the  year  1803,  the  vil- 
lage  school  was  removed  into  the  academy,  and  Mr. 
Patrick  Noon  the  last  schoolmaster  who  was  employed  in 
the  old  school  house  was  discharged.  From  that  time  to 
the  present,  being  a  period  of  about  thirty-nine  years,  the 
children  of  the  village  have  been  regularly  taught  in 
Erasmus  Hall. 

The  instruction  in  the  Academy  after  the  resignation 
of  Dr.  Wilson,  continued  to  be  conducted  by  Messrs. 
Oblenis  and  Schoonmaker.  The  latter  gentleman  re- 
signed in  1805,  and  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Richard  Fish. 
Adrian  Hegeman,  Cornelius  Van  Cleef  and  John  WyckofF, 
were  assistant  teachers  about  the  same  period.  In  the 
month  of  September,  1806,  Mr.  Oblenis  resigned  the  ofRce 
of  First  teacher.  He  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Joab  Cooper, 
who  has  since  become  extensively  known  as  the  editor  of 
an  edition  of  Virgil.  He  continued  his  connection  with 
the  Hall,  for  about  two  years;  when  upon  his  resigna- 
tion, Mr.  Valentine  Derry  was  appointed  First  teacher. 
In  August  1809,  Mr.  Derry  resigned,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Mr.  Richard  Whyte  Thompson,  who  had  charge  of 
the  institution  for  the  next  five  years.  Mr.  Thompson 
was  a  man  eminently  qualified  for  this  station.  He  was 
a  thorough  classical  scholar,  and  possessed  of  eminent 
gifts  for  instruction.  Under  him  the  Academy  rose  again 
to  considerable  eminence,  and  many  were  taught  by  him 
who  are  now  ornaments  in  the  several  professions.  Dur- 
ing his  connection  with  the  Academy,  a  number  of  assis- 
tant teachers  were  in  succession  employed.  They  were 
John  Brannon,  Edward  Cassidy,  Ava  Neal,  Nicholas 
Morris,  Adrian  Hegeman,  and  some  others.  Mr.  Thomp- 
son resigned  his  situation  as  First  teacher,  in  December, 
1814.     From  this  time  forward,  for  a  number  of  years, 


132 

there  were  numerous  changes  in  this  department.  Wil- 
liam Thayre  was  appointed  in  December  1814.  He  was 
succeeded  in  1815,  by  William  Ironside.  In  1816,  Mr. 
Joab  Cooper  was  again  temporally  employed  ;  and  in 
1817,  Mr.  Andrew  Craig  took  charge  of  the  institution. 
Mr.  Craig  resigned  his  situation  in  June  1819,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  feeble  state  of  his  health.  On  accepting 
his  resignation,  the  board  adopted  the  following  minute  : 

"  In  consequence  of  the  high  opinion  entertained  by  the 
board  in  the  talents  and  usefulness  of  Mr.  Craig,  as  the 
able  instructor  of  youth,  and  the  valuable  member  of  so- 
ciety, his  resignation  was  accepted  by  the  board  with  sen- 
timents  of  extreme  regret." 

In  August  1819,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Penney  was  chosen 
Principal  of  the  Hall.  He  was  associated  with  the  Rev. 
John  Mulligan.  These  gentlemen  continued  their  con- 
nection with  the  Academy  until  the  year  1821,  when  upon 
their  resignation  they  were  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Timothy 
Clowes,  D.D.     He  remained  but  about  two  years. 

In  May  1823,  the  institution  passed  into  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Jonathan  W.  Kellogg,  who  continued  to  have  charge  of  it 
till  May  1834.  During  this  period  the  Academy  flourish- 
ed. A  large  number  of  pupils  from  abroad  were  board- 
ed in  the  Hall,  and  the  Board  of  Trustees  in  1825,  were 
enabled  to  liquidate  entirely  the  remains  of  the  debt,  un- 
der which  the  Academy  had  labored  from  its  foundation. 
Upon  his  taking  charge  of  the  institution,  Mr.  Kellogg 
divided  the  English,  or  common  school  department,  into 
male  and  female,  and  employed  separate  instructors  for 
each.  Previously  to  this,  the  boys  and  girls  were  asso- 
ciated in  one  room,  and  taught  by  one  teacher.  The  se- 
paration introduced  by  Mr.  Kellogg,  and  which  was  a  very 
great  improvement,  has  continued  to  this  day.     Not  only 


133 

separate  and  distinct  apartments,  but  separate  entrances 
have  been  provided  for  the  males  and  females.  The  first 
Instructress  under  this  new  arrangement,  was  Miss  Maria 
Jones.  She  was  succeeded  in  1829,  by  Miss  Julia  De 
Forest.  She  remained  but  about  one  year.  Mrs.  W.  W. 
Maltby  then  taught  for  about  six  months,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded in  1831,  by  Miss  Almira  Meach,  who  taught  for  two 
years.  A  short  time  previous  to  Mr.  Kellogg's  leaving  the 
institution.  Miss  Rudd  had  charge  of  the  female  depart- 
ment, assisted  by  Miss  Ely.  The  male  assistants  under  Mr. 
Kellogg,  were  Jonathan  B.  Kidder,  John  Frey,  Theodore 
Morrell,  William  Allgeo,  William  H.  Campbell,  Isaac 
Grier,  J.  W.  Thompson,  J.  J.  Prentice  and  some  others. 
We  need  not  specify  the  precise  times,  during  which  these 
i^entlemen  taught.  Miss  Geib,  Miss  Philomela  Rolla, 
Miss  Emma  Gillingham,  and  some  others,  were  employ- 
ed in  giving  instruction  in   music. 

During  the  period  in  which  Mr.  Kellogg  had  charge  of  the 
P  Academy,  many  improvements  were  made  to  the  building 
and  grounds.  In  the  former,  in  addition  to  a  front  piazza,  a 
full  suit  ofdormitories  was  finished  in  the  attic,  besides  other 
important  changes.  The  campus,  which  was  bare  of  trees 
and  shrubbery,  excepting  two  rows  of  decaying  poplars  ex- 
tending in  a  diagonal  direction,  from  the  corners  of  the  build- 
ing to  the  road,  was  greatly  improved.  The  heart,  which 
lies  in  front  of  the  entrance,  was  laid  out  and  planted  with 
flowers  and  shrubs.  Besides  the  Balm  of  Gilead,  in 
the  centre  of  the  heart,  many  ornamental  forest  trees,  con- 
sisting of  the  tulip,  the  button  ball  and  the  sugar  maple, 
together  with  a  line  of  flowering  shrubs,  all  around  the 
front  and  sides,  were  set  out.  In  addition  to  these,  a  row 
of  button-ball  trees  was  planted  on  the  front  walk.     All 

12 


134 

these  are  now  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  have  added 
very  greatly  to  the  appearance  of  the  Hall. 

In  the  winter  of  1826-7,  an  additional  wing,  of  fifty  feet 
in  depth  and  twenty-five  in  width,  was  added  to  the  main 
building,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  schools.  The  cost 
of  this  was  $1500,  but  in  the  course  of  about  four  or  five 
years,  this  new  debt  was  also  paid.  In  May,  1834,  the 
Rev.  William  H.  Campbell,  who  had  opened  a  select 
school  in  the  village  the  previous  year,  took  charge  of  the 
Institution.  Though  his  superior  qualifications  as  a  teach- 
er are  well  known,  it  is  due  to  him,  to  say  that  while  he 
gave  the  highest  satisfaction  to  his  employers,  he  infused 
a  desire  in  the  bosoms  of  parents  in  the  village,  to  give 
their  children  a  liberal  education,  to  a  degree  that  had  ne- 
ver before  existed.  During  his  connection  with  the  Aca- 
demy, the  standard  of  education  in  the  town  was  much 
raised.  In  consequence  of  feeling  that  it  was  his  duty  to 
return  to  the  ministry,  which  he  had  been  forced  to  leave, 
in  consequence  of  impaired  health,  he  resigned  his  office 
as  Principal  of  the  Hall,  and  left  it  in  the  spring  of  1839. 
He  had  employed,  as  his  assistants,  John  W.  Thompson, 
James  Campbell,  C.  B.  Raymond,  John  Mc  Alpin,  John 
Skellie,  Mark  Hopkins  Beecher,  Jacob  Gillet,  Ambrose 
Leet;  and  as  instructresses  in  the  female  department  An- 
na F.  Vose  and  Laura  Mc  Elwaine. 

On  the  20th,  of  January,  1835,  the  Regents  of  the 
University  determined  to  establish  a  department  for  the 
instruction  of  common  school  teachers  in  Erasmus  Hall, 
in  conformity  with  the  provisions  of  an  act  of  the  Legisla- 
ture, which  had  passed  the  previous  session,  which  autho- 
rised the  Regents  to  endow  a  department  of  this  character, 
in  some  one  academy  in  each  of  the  eight  senatorial  dis- 


135 

tricts  of  the  State.  Erasmus  Hall  was  chosen  for  the 
Southern  District.  The  Trustees  on  the  10th,  of  Februa- 
ry, 1835,  agreed  to  accept  the  trust,  and  made  all  the  ne- 
cessary arrangements  to  carry  out  the  views  of  the  Legis- 
lature and  of  the  Regents.  It  was  soon  found  however, 
that  in  consequence  of  the  high  price  of  boarding  in  and 
about  the  city  of  New- York,  the  department  would  not  be 
furnished  with  pupils.  Only  one  or  two  applications  were 
made,  and  the  Trustees  perceiving  that  it  would  be  imprac- 
ticable to  maintain  such  a  department,  with  any  degree  of 
success,  in  the  Southern  District,  did,  on  the  31st,  of  De- 
cember, 1836,  resign  the  trust  ;  upon  which,  the  Regents 
transferred  the  department  for  this  district  to  the  Salem 
Academy  in  Washington  County.  Mr.  Campbell  was 
succeeded  as  Principal,  in  May,  1839,  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Penney,  late  President  of  Hamilton  College.  He  however 
continued  in  the  Institution,  as  classical  teacher  for  nine 
months  longer.  In  addition  to  him.  Dr.  Penney  employed 
Mr.  Beecher,  Mr.  Rowle,  Mr.  Davenport,  Mr.  Willis  and 
Mr.  StoothofF.  The  females  were  taught  chiefly  by  Miss 
Mc  Ilwaine  and  Miss  Palmer.  Dr.  Penney  continued  in 
charge  of  the  Hall  until  November,  1841,  when  James 
Ferguson,  A.  M.  the  present  worthy  incumbent,  entered 
upon  his  duties,  whose  character  and  assistants  are  well 
known. 

Attached  to  Erasmus  Hall,  is  a  library,  philosophical 
and  chemical  apparatus,  and  a  mineralogical  cabinet. 
The  latter  is  not  large,  but  yet  contains  a  goodly  variety 
of  specimens.  The  apparatus,  both  philosophical  and 
chemical,  is  not  in  a  very  good  state  of  repair.  Some  of 
the  articles  are  comparatively  new,  and  in  good  order. 
But  the  greater  part  are  quite  old  and  need  to  be  replaced 
by  others.     The  library  has  gradually  increased  until  it 


136 

has  attained  a  very  respectable  size.  It  was  commenced 
together  with  the  philosophical  apparatus,  by  a  liberal^o- 
nation  from  the  board  of  Regents  of  the  University  of  the 
State,  in  the  year  1791.  By  the  prudent  andjefficient  ma- 
nagement of  the  Trustees,  the  library  has  been  fostered 
and  gradually  enlarged,  until  at  present  it  numbers  fif- 
teen hundred  and  thirty-four  volumes,  and  is  the  second 
academical  library  in  size  in  the  State.  It  is  in  general  also 
well  selected.  It  contains  most  of  the  standard  authors  in 
English  Literature,  and  for  history,  will  compare  with 
any  library  of  its  size  in  the  country.  It  affords  not  only 
the  means  of  recreation  to  the  pupils,  but  of  sound  and  use- 
ful knowledge.  The  whole  arrangements  of  the  Hall,  in- 
deed, are  now  such,  and  have  in  fact  almost  always  been 
as  to  furnish  to  all  who  are  connected  with  it,  the  opportu- 
nity of  obtaining  a  good,  substantial  education,  sufficient 
indeed,  to  give  the  promise  of  high  standing  to  those  who 
may  engage  in  any  of  the  learned  professions,  and  of  use- 
fulness and  respectability,  to  such  as  may  pursue  the  ordi- 
nary avocations  of  life.  It  is  unquestionably  an  institu- 
tion of  pre-eminent  value  to  the  village,  and  in  fact,  to  all 
the  surrounding  country.  We  trust  it  will  ever  continue 
to  flourish  as  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  town, 
and  be  a  healthful  fountain  from  which  shall  flow  forth 
many  streams  to  fertilize  and  bless  both  the  church  and 
the  State. 

Since  the  establishment  of  the  Academy,  several  private 
schools  have  from  time  to  time  been  set  up  in  the  village. 
Some  of  these  were  of  a  high  classical  character,  and 
were  for  a  season  flourishing.  But  we  need  not  now  enu- 
merate them. 

Connected  with  the  literary  history  of  the  town,  it  is 
proper  to  state  that  about  the  year  1807,  a  very  large  print- 
ing-office  was  established  in   the  village,  by  Mr.  Isaac 


137 

Riley.  This  was  located  in  the  present  elegant  lawn  of 
Matthew  Clarkson,  Esq.  The  edifice  was  planned  by 
Pope,  the  celebrated  architect,  and  was  put  up  at  great 
cost.  The  establishment  of  Mr.  Riley  was  very  exten- 
sive. In  connection  with  his  printing-office  he  had  a 
large  bindery,  at  the  head  of  which  was  Mr.  James  01m- 
stead.  The  printing  department  was  superintended  by  Mr. 
Charles  Wiley.  In  conducting  the  whole  establishment, 
a  large  number  of  hands,  male  and  female,  were  employed. 
It  continued  in  operation  for  about  seven  years.  The  house 
was  subsequently  taken  down,  removed  to  Brooklyn,  and 
rebuilt  on  the  Heights  opposite  the  city  of  New- York, 
where  it  is  still  standing. 

Some  men  of  high  literary  attainment  have  been  edu- 
cated in  this  place,  and  the  remains  of  Richard  Alsop  one 
of  the  poets  of  America,  lie  entombed  in  the  public  ceme- 
tery. None  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  however,  have 
devoted  themselves  exclusively  to  literary  pursuits,  and 
of  course  we  cannot  boast  of  any  distinguished  author.  It 
is  due  to  the  memory  of  Mr.  Alsop  that  we  state  the  cir- 
cumstances of  his  death  in  this  place.  He  came  to  Flat- 
bush  in  August  1815,  to  visit  his  sister,  the  wife  of  Mr. 
Rilev.  He  had  retired  on  a  certain  dav  to  his  room  in 
the  house  now  occupied  by  Mrs.  Schoonmaker,  and  was 
subsequently  found  dead  sitting  in  a  chair  by  the  window. 
It  is  presumed  he  had  been  struck  with  apoplexy.  The 
tomb-stone  which  marks  the  place  where  his  remains  lie 
interred,  bears  the  following  inscription  : — "  In  memory 
of  Richard  Alsop,  Esq.,  of  Middletown,  Conn.  Distin- 
guished by  genius  and  poetical  talents,  respected  for  in- 
tegrity, and  beloved  for  his  amiable  "simplicity  of  charac- 
ter. He  died  suddenly,  when  on  a  visit  to  this  place,  on 
the  20th  of  August,  1815,  aged  fifty-four  years." 

12* 


EVENTS    DURING 

THE 

REVOLUTIONARY    WAR. 


We  would  now  turn  back  your  attention  to  the  era  of 
the  great  struggle  for  American  Independence.  As  the 
battle  of  Long-Island,  which  was  the  first  contest  in 
which  the  two  great  armies  met,  occurred  in  and  about 
Flatbush,  and  as  from  that  period  it  was  the  scene  of 
more  or  less  interest  during  the  revolutionary  war,  it  is 
proper  that  we  should  devote  a  separate  space  to  this  part 
of  the  history  of  the  town. 

After  the  commencement  of  hostilities  in  the  year  1776, 
the  city  of  New- York  in  consideration  of  the  advantages 
which  from  its  location  it  would  afford,  was  selected  by 
the  British  as  the  first  grand  point  to  be  obtained.  The 
city  was  then  in  the  possession  of  the  Americans,  under 
the  command  of  General  Washington,  in  person.  In  the 
latter  part  of  June,  1776,  the  first  division  of  the  British 
army  landed  on  Staten-Island,  and  was  followed  about 
the  middle  of  July,  by  the  grand  armament  under  Lord 
Howe,  consisting  of  six  ships  of  the  line,  thirty  frigates 
with  smaller  vessels,  and  a  great  number  of  transports,  vic- 
tuallers and  ships  with  stores  of  ordnance.  Lord  Howe 
at  that  time,  first  attempted  by  what  he  conceived  to  be 
conciliatory  measures,  to  bring  back  the  American  Colo- 


139 

nies  to  their  allegiance  to  King  George.  We  need  not 
detail  these,  as  they  are  not  immediately  connected  with 
our  subject.  We  cannot,  however,  omit  to  notice,  that  on 
the  14th  of  July,  he  sent  a  flag  to  New- York,  with  a  let- 
ter under  the  superscription  of  '^  George  Washington, 
Esq.,"  Indignant  that  Lord  Howe  had  not  recognised 
his  rank  and  title  and  his  connection  with  the  American 
Congress,  Washington,  very  properly,  refused  to  receive 
the  letter,  for  which  he  was  applauded  by  Congress  as  an 
act  of  becoming  dignity.  On  the  20th  of  July,  Lord 
Howe  attempted  a  second  time  to  open  a  correspondence 
with  General  Washington.  He  sent  another  letter  by  the 
hands  of  Adjutant  General  Patterson,  addressed  to 
"  Georfre  Washino-ton.  &;c.  &c.  &c."  The  General 
treated  the  Adjutant  with  all  politeness,  but  notwithstand- 
ing all  he  could  say,  Washington  refused  to  receive  the 
letter,  telling  him,  "  it  is  true  the  et  ceteras  imply  every 
thing,  but  it  is  no  less  true,  they  imply  any  thing."  A 
noble  answer  to  this  repeated  insult  to  himself  and  his 
country,  and  a  clear  presage  of  the  practical  wisdom, 
courage  and  firmness  of  him  to  whom  America,  under 
God,  had  committed  her  cause. 

Not  knowing  at  what  point  the  British  might  make 
their  first  attack,  Washington  sought  to  fortify  the  city 
and  obstruct  the  passage  into  the  harbor  of  New- York. 
He  also  threw  up  certain  fortifications  in  Brooklyn  and 
Flatbush,  to  guard  the  approach  to  the  city,  by  Long- 
Island.  His  army  at  this  time,  amounted  to  17,225,  of 
whom  only  10,514,  were  fit  for  duty.  These  too,  he  says, 
in  one  of  his  letters,  were  little  other  than  raw  troops,  and 
much  scattered,  some  being  fifteen  miles  apart.  It  soon 
became  evident  that  the  British  meditated  a  landing  on 
Long-Island.    Troops  were  accordingly  thrown  over  from 


140 

the  city  of  New-York,  and  extended  in  different  posts 
from  the  highlands  near  the  Narrows,  to  Wallaboght  Bay. 
The  command  of  all  these  posts  had  been  entrusted  to 
General  Greene,  who  had  studiously  made  himself  ac^ 
quainted  with  the  location  of  all  the  surrounding  country, 
so  as  to  be  able  to  defend  the  American  army  not  only, 
but  take  all  advantages  which  the  various  defiles  would 
afford  to  attack  the  British,  But  unfortunately  only  a  few 
days  before  the  battle.  General  Greene  was  taken  very 
sick,  and  the  command  devolved  on  General  Putnam,  who 
although  one  of  the  bravest  of  the  brave,  was  not  suffi- 
ciently acquainted  with  the  face  of  the  country.  Put- 
nam had  two  brigadiers  under  him,  General  Sullivan, 
who  had  command  of  the  troops  not  immediately  within 
the  lines,  and  General  Lord  Stirling,  who  was  stationed 
in  and  about  Gowanus  Bay  and  the  Narrows.  To  pre- 
vent property  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  British,  an 
order  was  issued  commanding  the  farmers  on  the  west  end 
of  Long-Island,  to  drive  away  their  cattle  and  take  their 
grain  which  had  just  been  harvested,  from  their  barns  and 
stack  it  in  the  fields,  that  it  might  be  the  more  readily 
destroyed.  Accordingly,  all  the  cattle  in  Flatbush  and 
the  towns  adjacent,  were  driven  first  as  far  east  as  the 
woods,  in  and  about  New-Lots,  and  subsequently  into 
Queens  County.  Some  of  these  were  recovered,  but 
great  numbers  of  them  were  lost ;  the  American  Govern- 
ment, however,  made  honorable  reparation  for  all  such 
losses.  The  grain  also,  in  conformity  with  the  order, 
was  taken  out  of  the  barns  and  put  on  stacks.  Some  of 
these  were  subsequently  set  on  fire  by  the  American 
army  on  their  retreat,  to  prevent  their  falling  into  tlie 
hands  of  the  British  ;  but  a  few  of  these  stacks  of  grain 
were  saved,  particularly  those  in  the  southern  section  of 
the  village. 


141 

An  entrenchment  was  thrown  up  in  Flatbush  across 
the  road  leading  through  the  village,  a  little  south  of  the 
present  residence  of  Judge  Martense.  It  was  in  the  form 
of  something  like  a  half  moon,  lying  diagonally  across 
the  road,  and  extending  on  the  land  of  LefTerts  Martense 
on  the  west,  and  of  Isaac  Cortelyou  on  the  east — having 
a  ditch  of  sufficient  depth  on  the  north.  A  small  redoubt 
on  which  a  few  pieces  of  artillery  were  mounted,  was 
also  put  up  at  the  Valley-Grove,  to  guard  the  passage 
through  the  port  road,  and  by  the  direct  route  to  Brooklyn. 
Here  stood  a  large  white  oak  tree,  mentioned  in  the  pa- 
tent of  Governor  Dongan,  as  one  of  the  boundary  lines  of 
the  town  of  Flatbush.  This  was  cut  down  and  thrown 
across  the  road ;  and  in  consequence  of  the  then  dense 
woods  on  the  south,  and  the  swamp  on  the  north,  it  formed 
a  very  considerable  abattis.  The  late  Mr.  Simon  Voris 
assisted  in  cutting  down  this  tree. 

During  this  time,  preparations  were  making  by  the 
British,  to  effect  a  landing  on  Long-Island.  They  were 
frequently  visited  by  persons  from  the  shore  and  surround- 
ing towns,  who  no  doubt  gave  them  every  information  con- 
cerning the  positions  of  the  American  army,  and  furnish- 
ed materials  for  a  draft  of  the  whole  adjacent  country  ;  for 
they  were  well  acquainted  with  the  position  of  the  hills,  and 
the  three  roads  or  defiles  by  which  they  could  be  passed. 
On  the  22d  day  of  August,  a  landing  was  effected  by  the 
British  troops  at  Bath,  under  cover  of  the  guns  of  their 
fleet,  without  opposition.  Gen.  Howe  established  his  head- 
quarters at  New-Utrecht.  The  x^merican  troops  who 
were  stationed  along  the  coast,  consisting  of  a  regiment 
of  Pennsylvanians  under  Col.  Hand,  retired  to  Flatbush, 
with  the  view  of  guarding  the  principal  pass  to  Brooklyn. 
Lord  Cornwallis  pushed  on  immediately  with  the  reserve 


142 

and  some  other  forces  to  the  same  place,  but  finding  the 
Americans  strongly  entrenched,  and  the  pass  through  by 
the  port  or  Valley  Grove  defended,  in  compliance  with 
his  orders  he  did  not  risk  any  attack.  In  the  meantime 
the  inhabitants  of  the  town  had  generally  forsaken  it.  We 
who  have  been  so  long  accustomed  to  the  sweets  of  peace 
know  but  little  of  the  consternation  occasioned  by  an  ap- 
proaching invading  army.  The  inhabitants  had  reason  to 
apprehend  that  should  they  remain  at  home  they  would 
be  cruelly  treated,  and  perhaps  massacred.  They  were 
regarded  as  rebels,  to  whom  but  little  quarter  would  be 
shown.  Hence  as  expeditiously  as  possible  after  the 
landing  of  the  British  troops,  the  inhabitants  of  the  village 
either  sent  or  carried  off  the  females  and  children,  pro- 
viding them  with  what  little  furniture  and  conveniences 
they  could.  Some  were  sent  to  New-Jersey,  but  the 
greater  proportion  took  refuge  in  Queens  County.  It  was 
a  scene  of  great  confusion,  and  of  no  ordinary  distress. 
Compelled  to  leave  their  homes  and  the  greater  part  of  their 
property,  and  not  knowing  what  might  befal  their  persons 
or  their  families,  they  committed  themselves  to  the  good 
providence  of  their  God.  Some  had  not  gone  far  before  they 
saw  the  smoke  ascending  from  the  neighborhood  of  their 
farms,  and  knew  not  but  their  dwellings  were  already  in 
flames.  With  one  family,  indeed,  this  was  the  case.  The 
American  riflemen,  on  the  approach  of  the  British  towards 
the  evening  of  the  22d,  set  fire  to  many  of  the  stacks  of  grain, 
particularly  in  the  northern  part  of  the  lown,  and  also 
fired  the  house  of  Peter  Lefferts.  Other  houses  in  that 
section  of  the  village  were  also  burnt,  but  not  at  that  time, 
of  which  we  shall  presently  speak. 

The  main  body  of  the  American  troops  stationed  in  about 
Flatbusli,  then  retired  to  the  woods  on  the  north  of  the  town. 


143 

The  British  army  then  under  command  of  LordCornwallis, 
took  post  at  Flatbush.  They  encamped  in  a  diagonal  direc- 
tion across  the  village.  Their  tents  extended  from  the  little 
lane  over  the  farms  of  Hendrick  Vanderveer,  of  J.  C. 
Bergen,  of  Jacobus  Vandeventer,  and  so  on,  in  a  north- 
easterly line  towards  the  road  leading  to  New-Lots.  The 
main  body  however,  were  on  the  south  of  the  church  and 
west  of  the  main  street.  They  soon  possessed  themselves 
of  the  intrenchment  which  had  been  thrown  up  by  the 
Americans,  in  the  north  of  the  village.  To  defend  them- 
selves against  an  expected  attack  from  the  American 
troops,  who,  from  the  woods,  kept  up  a  scattered  firing,  they 
knocked  out  large  port  holes  in  the  house  of  Adrian  He- 
geman,  which  stood  on  the  spot  where  Mrs.  Cynthia  Lef- 
ferts  is  now  living.  This  house  was  built  of  stone,  and  the 
object  of  making  the  holes  in  the  wall,  was  to  enable  them 
to  fire  their  cannon  at  the  Americans  under  cover.  The 
house  of  Mr.  Lefferts  Martense,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
road,  was  also  taken  possession  of,  and  prepared  as  a  sort 
of  fortification.  It  was  built  of  wood,  fronting  south,  and 
having  a  roof  on  the  north  side,  which  extended  to  within  a 
few  feet  of  the  ground.  In  this  roof  they  cut  many  holes, 
through  which  they  could  discharge  their  muskets.  Still 
farther  to  defend  themselves,  or  rather  to  render  their  fir- 
ing upon  the  Americans  more  effective,  they  set  fire  to  the 
houses  which  stood  between  them  and  the  woods,  and  from 
behind  which,  often  the  American  riflemen  would  dis- 
charge their  guns,  to  the  no  small  annoyance  and  injury 
of  the  British.  These  houses  were  those  of  Jeremiah  Van- 
derbilt  and  Leffert  Lefferts,  on  the  west,  and  Evert  Hege- 
man,  on  the  east  side  of  the  road.  On  what  day  these  were 
burnt  we  know  not,  but  they  were  destroyed  by  the  Bri- 
tish, probably  on  the  second  or  third  day  after  their  encamp- 
ment in  this  place. 


144 

On  the  first  or  second  evening  of  their  arrival  in 
Flatbush,  a  drunken  revel  took  place  among  the  Bri- 
tish. In  rifling  the  houses,  they  were  directed  by  John 
Rubel,  to  a  quantity  of  wine,  which  had  been  left  in  the 
house  of  Mr.  David  Clarkson,  who  lived  in  the  dwelling 
now  occupied  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Bergen.  Mr.  Clarkson  was  a 
strong  whig,  and  after  they  had  vented  their  spite  at  him, 
and  his  principles,  by  destroying  his  furniture,  and  abusing 
his  premises  in  a  shameful  manner,  their  attention  was 
called,  under  the  direction  of  their  guide,  to  his  wines. 
These,  the  greater  part  of  which  were  specially  imported 
and  were  very  choice,  Mr.  Clarkson  had  bottled  and 
stored  away  in  an  upper  apartment,  in  the  wing  of  his 
house,  and  had  built  up  a  partition  to  conceal  them.  Rubel 
had  seen  this,  and  was  well  acquainted  with  the  store  thus 
concealed,  and  being  friendly  to  the  British  cause,  he  gave 
them  information  of  the  fact,  and  actually  guided  and  as- 
sisted them  on  the  occasion.  The  wine  and  other  liquor 
was  of  course  procured,  and  the  officers  and  men  indulged 
freely  in  the  use  of  it.  The  back  piazza  and  yard  of  Mr. 
Clarkson's  house,  exhibited  a  complete  drunken  frolic. 
Had  the  Americans  indeed  been  aware  of  the  situation  of 
the  British  at  this  time,  a  very  serious  check  might  have 
been  put  to  their  advance,  if  not  their  whole  plan  sub- 
verted. 

The  Hessian  troops  under  General  de  Heister,  having 
landed  on  the  25th,  were  sent  forward  on  the  same  day  to 
Flatbush,  to  compose  the  centre  of  the  army.  The  plan 
of  attack  was  now  fixed.  The  right  wing  of  the  English 
army  was  committed  to  Major  General  Grant,  and  was 
designed  to  operate  against  the  left  wing  of  the  Americans, 
under  Lord  Stirlinfj.  The  centre  was  committed  to  Gen- 
eral  de   Heister,  and  was  to  attempt  the  pass  defended  by 


145 

General  Sullivan,  at  the  Port,  while  the  left  wing  of  the 
British  under  General  Clinton  and  Lords  Perev  and  Corn- 
wallis,  were,  by  a  circuitous  route  to  reach  the  right  wing 
of  the  American  army,  which  was  under  command  of 
Colonel  Miles,  and  stationed  a  little  to  the  eastward  of  Bed- 
ford, on  the  Jamaica  road.  The  principal  hope  of  success 
was  upon  this  wing.  The  plan  was  well  laid,  and  proved 
successful.  It  was,  that  while  General  Grant  and  the 
Hessians  of  General  De  Heister  should  disquiet  and  divert 
the  Americans  on  the  right  and  in  the  centre,  the  left  wing 
should  surprise  them  by  a  circuitous  route,  and  thus  fall 
upon  them  in  the  flank  and  rear.  The  English  hoped  that 
as  this  post  was  the  most  distant  from  the  centre  of  the  ar- 
my, the  advanced  guards  would  there  be  found  more  fee- 
ble, and  perhaps  more  negligent,  and  that  at  all  events, 
they  would  not  be  able  to  defend  themselves  against  a 
force  so  superior,  as  this  right  wingof  the  English,  was  very 
numerous  and  entirely  composed  of  select  troops.  Nor  did 
they  judge  incorrectly.  In  order  to  put  this  plan  thus 
wisely  formed,  into  execution,  on  the  evening  of  the  26th, 
of  August,  about  9  o'clock.  General  Clinton  commanding 
the  van  guard,  which  consisted  of  light  infantry  :  Lord 
Percy  the  centre,  where  were  found  the  grenadiers,  the 
artillery  and  cavalry,  and  Lord  Cornwallis  the  rear 
guard,  followed  by  the  baggage,  some  regiments  of  infan- 
try and  of  heavy  artillery,  moved  from  Flatbush,  with  ad- 
mirable silence  and  order  towards  Flatlands.  They  wei'e 
seen  by  Captain  Cornelius  Venderveer,  who  stated,  that 
although  he  was  near  the  fence  fronting  his  house,  on  the 
road,  he  could  scarcely  h-ear  them.  With  such  silence 
and  order  did  this  large  body  of  men  move,  being  covered 
by  the  darkness  of  the  night.  They  were  on  this  occasion 
aided  by  certain  guides,who  conducted  them  till  they  reach- 

13 


146 

ed  the  point  of  attack.  These  were  N*******  W*********, 
J****  W******,  and  J*******  R*****.  It  has  been  said 
in  defence  of  the  conduct  of  these  persons,  that  they  were 
forced  to  act  in  this  capacity,  and  that  their  lives  were  at 
stake.  This  may  all  be,  but  their  agency  on  this  occa- 
sion was  most  disastrous  to  the  American  cause.  The 
British  had  as  we  have  intimated,  drafts  of  the  country. 
They  marched  to  Flatlands  village,  then  took  the  road 
leading  to  Flatlands  neck,  and  came  out  at  Shoemakers 
Bridge.  Here  N.  W.  their  chief  guide  at  this  place,  was 
expressly  cautioned,  that  if  he  led  them  wrong  he  would 
be  shot.  He  appears  to  have  conducted  them  from  this 
spot  across  the  fields  to  what  is  now  called  Howard's. 
They  arrived  two  hours  before  day,  on  the  morning  of  the 
27th,  within  half  a  mile  of  the  Jamaica  road.  Colonel 
Miles,  of  Pennsylvania,  who  had  charge  of  the  right 
wing  of  the  American  army  this  night,  performed  his  ser- 
vice with  but  little  exactness,  and  did  not  perceive  the 
approach  of  the  enemy.  They  had  marched  several 
miles,  and  were  now  in  fact  two  miles  in  the  rear  of  his 
guard,  without  his  being  knowing  to  the  fact.  Nor  had 
General  Sullivan,  who  had  charge  of  all  the  troops  in  ad- 
vance of  the  camp  at  Brooklyn,  any  advice  of  what  was 
passing  in  this  quarter.  One  of  his  patrols,  on  horseback 
had  been  fallen  in  with  by  General  Clinton  during  the 
night,  and  made  prisoners.  But  though  disappointed  in 
not  hearing  from  this  patrol,  General  Sullivan  neglected 
to  send  out  fresh  scouts,  probably  expecting  that  the  En- 
glish would  direct  their  principal  efforts  against  the  right 
wing,  under  Lord  Sterling,  as  that  was  nearest  to  their 
head  quarters.  Thus  he  suffered  the  American  army  to 
be  surprised,  and  almost  before  the  battle  commenced,  the 
fate  of  the  day  determined.     General  Clinton  having  hal- 


147 

ted  for  a  few  hours,  and  refreshed  his  troops^  and  learning 
from  the  prisoners  whom  he  took,  that  the  road  to  Jamai- 
ca was  not  guarded,  hastened  to  avail  himself  of  the  cir- 
cumstance, and  occupied  it  by  a  rapid  movement.  With- 
out  loss  of  time,  he  immediately  bore  to  his  left,  towards 
Bedford,  and  seized  an  important  defile,  which  the  Ameri- 
cans  had  left  unguarded.  From  this  moment  the  success 
of  the  day  was  decided  in  favor  of  the  English.  Lord 
Percy  came  up  with  his  corps,  and  the  entire  column  de- 
scended by  the  village  of  Bedford,  into  the  more  level 
ground,  which  lay  between  the  hills  and  the  camp  of  the 
Americans. 

In  the  mean  time,  General  Grant,  in  order  to  divert  the 
Americans  from  the  events  which  took  place  upon  the 
route  throu2;h  Flatlands,  and  the  attack  to  be  made  on 
their  left  wing,  endeavored  to  disquiet  them  on  his  right. 
Accordingly,  about  midnight,  as  if  he  meant  to  force  his 
way  through,  he  put  himself  in  motion  and  attacked  the 
militia  of  New- York  and  Pennsylvania,  who  were  station- 
ed along  the  Gowanus  road.  They  at  first  gave  way, 
but  General  Parsons,  who  had  command  of  them,  having 
arrived,  and  having  occupied  an  eminence,  renewed  the 
combat,  and  maintained  his  position  until  Brigadier  Gene- 
ral Lord  Stirling  came  to  his  assistance  with  fifteen  hun- 
dred men.  The  action  was  extremely  animated,  and 
victory  favored  neither  the  one  side  nor  the  other.  But  it 
was  all  in  vain,  as  in  fact,  the  choice  of  the  British  army 
were  already  in  the  rear  of  the  American  troops  on  the 
left.  As  soon  as  firing  was  heard  from  the  right  wing  of 
the  English,  under  General  Clinton,  who,  as  we  have  sta- 
ted, had  now  gained  possession  of  Bedford,  which  was  not 
long  after  the  break  of  day,  on  the  27th,  General  De 
Heister  with  his  Hessian  troops,  moved  forward  with  the 


148 

centre  of  the  army  from  Flatbush,  and  commenced  an  at- 
tack upon  the  line  in  command  of  General  Sullivan.  The 
attack  was  valiantly  sustained  by  General  Sullivan,  in 
person,  but  they  soon  found  that  their  situation  was  very 
critical,  for  General  Clinton  fell  upon  their  left  flank,  and 
they  now  discovered  to  their  great  surprise,  that  they  were 
in  fact  surrounded  by  the  enemy.  As  soon  as  they  were 
apprised  of  their  danger,  they  sounded  a  retreat,  and  retir- 
ed in  good  order  towards  their  camp,  bringing  off  their  ar- 
tillery. But  the  royal  troops,  under  General  Clinton,  who 
occupied  the  ground  on  their  rear,  charged  them  furious- 
ly. They  were  compelled  to  throw  themselves  back  in- 
to the  neighboring  woods,  lying  between  Flatbush  and 
Brooklyn.  Here  they  met  again  with  the  Hessians,  who 
repulsed  them  upon  the  English,  and  thus  they  were  driv- 
en several  times  by  the  one  against  the  other,  with  great 
loss.  They  continued  for  some  time  in  this  desperate 
situation,  till  at  length,  several  regiments  animated  by  an 
heroic  valor,  opened  their  way  through  the  midst  of  the  en- 
emy, and  gained  the  camp  of  General  Putnam,  at  Brook- 
lyn :  some  few  escaped  through  the  woods,  but  the  re- 
mainder, together  with  their  commander,  General  Sulli- 
van, were  made  prisoners. 

The  left  wing  and  centre  of  the  Americans  being  dis- 
comfited, the  Englisli,  to  secure  a  complete  victory,  made 
a  rapid  movement  against  the  rear  of  the  right  wing, 
which  in  ignorance  of  what  had  befallen  the  other  corps, 
was  engaged  with  General  Grant.  As  soon  as  they  re- 
ceived the  intelligence  of  this  disaster,  they  retired.  But 
now  they  encountered  the  English,  who  had  cut  oft"  their 
retreat.  They  liad  been  engaged  from  8  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  until  2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  in  maintaining 
their  post  and  charging  the  enemy.    On  ascertaining  their 


\ 


149 

perilous  situation,  they  were  greatly  disconcerted.  Some 
of  these  brave  men  betook  themselves  to  the  woods.  But 
a  large  number  of  them  endeavored  to  make  their  way 
to  the  camp  at  Brooklyn,  through  the  marshes  and  mill- 
ponds  of  Gowanus  Cove.  Unfortunately  many  of  them 
were  here  drowned  or  perished  in  the  mud  :  a  very  small 
number  only  escaped  the  hot  pursuit  of  the  victors,  and 
reached  the  camp  in  safety.  Lord  Stirling  himself,  who 
had  charge  of  this  wing,  was  taken  prisoner.  Almost  the 
entire  regiment  of  Maryland,  under  Colonel  Smallwood, 
consisting  of  young  men  of  the  best  families  in  that  pro- 
vince, was  cut  to  pieces.  No  less  than  two  hundred  and  fifty 
nine  men  of  this  reo-iment  were  destroyed. 

The  fate  of  the  battle  was  now  decided.  The  total  loss 
of  the  Americans  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners, 
according  to  Dr.  Gordon,  was  about  fifteen  hundred, 
but  some  have  estimated  the  loss  as  high  as  three 
thousand.  Among  the  prisoners,  besides  the  two  Gene- 
rals whom  we  have  mentioned,  were  many  officers  of  high 
rank.  The  unfortunate  issue  of  this  battle,  was  doubtless 
to  be  ascribed  in  part  to  the  illness  of  General  Greene. 
He  had  superintended  the  erection  of  the  works,  and  was 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  ground.  In  hope  of  his 
recovery.  General  Washington  had  deferred  sending  over 
a  successor,  till  the  urgency  of  affairs  rendered  it  abso- 
lutely necessary,  and  then  General  Putnam  took  the  com- 
mand, without  any  previous  knowledge  of  the  posts  be- 
yond the  lines  which  had  been  fortified,  or  of  the  passes 
by  which  the  enemy  could  make  their  approach.  Nor 
had  he  the  time  to  acquire  this  knowledge  before  the  ac- 
tion. Had  General  Greene  been  on  the  ground,  all  the 
roads  or  passes  would  have  been  so  secured  and  defended 
as  that  the   royal  army  in   attempting  or  gaining  them, 

13* 


150 

nould  have  been  so  crippled  as  to  have  been  arrested  with 
regard  to  all  future  successful  operations.  General  Sulli- 
van was  also  too  inattentive  and  confident.  He  exercised  no 
watchfulness  over  the  tories  and  royalists,  who  were 
around  him,  but  suifered  them  to  go  back  and  forth  as  they 
pleased.  One  of  the  American  Chaplains,  fearing  that 
the  British  would  make  a  circuitous  march  and  take  to  the 
Jamaica  road,  asked  him  whether  he  had  sufficiently 
guarded  that  pass,  when  Sullivan  replied,  in  his  vain  con- 
fidence, ^'  Yes  :  so  that  an  angel  cannot  force  it ;''  and  yet 
to  his  neglect  in  this  particular,  the  whole  disasters  of  the 
(lay  are  to  be  attributed. 

The  British  after  this  victory  encamped  in  front  of  the 
American  lines,  and  on  the  28th,  and  29th,  frequent  skir- 
mishes occurred  between  the  two  armies.  At  length,  on 
the  29th,  Washington,  at  the  suggestion  of  General  Mif- 
iiin,  who  had  been  on  Long-Island,  and  knew  the  situa- 
tion of  the  troops,  called  a  council  of  war,  and  a  retreat 
was  agreed  upon,  General  Mifflin  offering  to  command 
The  rear.  This  was  a  wise  council,  inasmuch,  as  in  front 
of  the  army  was  a  numerous  and  victorious  enemy,  with  a 
formidable  train  of  artillery.  The  British  fleet  indicated 
an  intention  to  pass  up  the  East  River,  and  cut  off  all  hope 
of  a  retreat.  The  troops  at  Brooklyn  were  lying  without 
shelter  from  heavy  rains,  and  were  moreover,  fatigued  and 
dispirited.  This  difficult  movement  was  effected  with 
great  skill  and  judgment,  and  with  complete  success. 
We  should  be  glad  had  Ave  time,  to  narrate  all  the  circum- 
stances connected  with  it.  But  we  can  only  give  a  very 
general  account  of  it.  After  dark,  on  the  evening  of  the 
29th,  orders  were  received  and  communicated  to  the  several 
regiments,  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  for  an  attack 
upon  the  enemy,  to  take  place  in  the  course  of  the  night. 


151 

This  excited  much  speculation  among  the  officers,  who 
knew  not  the  immediate  design,  and  no  little  concern 
among  the  soldiers,  whose  arms  were  much  injured  from 
exposure  to  the  rain.  The  embarkation  of  the  troops  was 
committed  to  General  Mc  Dougal.  It  was  to  commence 
at  8  o'clock,  in  the  evening,  but  a  strong  north  east  wind 
and  a  rapid  tide,  caused  a  delay  of  several  hours.  At 
11  o'clock,  the  wind  sprung  up  from  the  south  west,  which 
greatly  favoured  the  enterprize,  as  it  enabled  them  to  use 
the  sail  boats,  which  they  had,  as  well  as  the  barges.  Pro- 
vidence further  interposed  in  favor  of  the  retreating  army, 
by  sending  a  thick  fog  about  2  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
(August  30th,)  which  hung  over  Long-Island,  while  on 
New- York  side,  it  was  clear.  The  fog  and  wind  contin- 
ued to  favor  the  retreat  till  the  whole  army,  nine  thousand 
in  number,  with  all  the  field  artillery,  such  heavy  ord- 
nance as  was  of  most  value,  ammunition,  provisions,  hor- 
ses, cattle,  &c,  were  safelv  over.     The  water  was  so  re- 

til  ^ 

markably  smooth  as  to  admit  of  the  row  boats  being  load- 
ed within  a  few  inches  of  the  gunnel.  General  Wash- 
inf£ton,  though  often  entreated,  would  not  leave  the  Island 
till  General  Mifflin  with  his  covering  party,  left  the  lines 
at  al)out  6  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  30th.  The  se- 
crecy and  skill,  with  which  the  whole  movement  was  ef- 
fected, may  be  conceived,  from  the  fact  that  the  enemy 
were  so  nigh,  that  the  sound  of  their  pickaxes  and  shovels 
were  distinctly  heard  by  the  Americans.  Only  about 
half  an  hour  after  ^the  lines  were  finally  abandoned,  the 
fog  cleared  off,  and  the  British  were  seen  taking  posses- 
sion of  the  American  v/orks.  Four  boats  were  on  the  ri- 
ver, three  halfway  over,  full  of  troops  :  the  fourth,  within 
reach  of  the  enemies  fire  from  the  shore,  was  compelled  to 
return.     But  she  had  only  three  men  in  her,  who  had  tar- 


152 

ried  behind  to  plunder.  The  whole  army  was  safely 
landed  on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  and  never  was  there 
a  retreat  better  conducted,  or  a  more  signal  interposition 
of  a  kind  providence.  Had  not  the  wind  changed,  not 
more  than  half  of  the  army  could  possibly  have  crossed, 
and  the  remainder  must  have  fallen,  with  all  the  artille- 
ry and  stores,  into  the  hands  of  the  English.  And  had  it 
not  been  for  the  fog;,  their  movements  would  all  have  been 
discovered  in  time,  greatly  to  have  discomfited  them. 

But  we  must  now  return  to  Flatbush,  Here,  after  the 
battle,  were  many  American  prisoners.  Lord  Cornwallis 
appears  to  have  established  himself  for  a  little  while  at 
least,  in  the  place.  Among  the  prisoners  taken  previous  to, 
and  during  the  battle,  was  Cornelius  Venderveer,the  father 
of  the  present  John  C.  Vanderveer,  Esq.  He  was  the  cap- 
tain of  the  militia  of  the  town  of  Flatbush.  Having  sent  off" 
his  family  to  New-Jersey,  he  attempted  to  secure  his  furni- 
ture, while  he  remained  in  and  about  his  premises.  He 
had  hid  his  arms  and  accoutrements  in  a  thicket,  near  the 
house,  and  having  observed  on  a  certain  evening  how  the 
guards  and  pickets  of  the  British  were  placed,  he  went  in 
the  dead  of  the  night,  accompanied  by  a  faithful  servant, 
called  Adam,  to  regain  them.  They  approached  the 
place  where  they  were  concealed,  by  a  circuitous  route, 
and  having  possessed  himself  of  his  arms,  he  put  them  on, 
the  more  easily  to  carry  them.  He  then  proposed  to  his 
colored  man,  to  take  a  nearer  and  more  direct  route 
back.  But  in  doing  so,  he  came  unexpectedly  upon  a 
guard,  which  had  been  placed  after  dark,  in  a  position  of 
which  he  was  not  aware.  The  consequence  was,  that  he 
was  made  a  prisoner,  and  being  taken  with  his  accoutre- 
ments on,  and  his  arms  in  his  liands,  he  had  not  much 
mercy  to  expect.     He  was  carried  to  the  captain  of  the- 


153 

guard.  Here  he  was  told  by  several,  that  there  was  no 
hope  for  him,  he  must  be  hung,  and  they  actually  put  the 
rope  around  his  neck.  In  the  morning  he  was  taken  to 
the  church,  before  Lord  Cornwallis,  who  sent  him  with 
some  others,  under  guard  to  New-Utrecht,  where  he  was 
confined  in  a  barn,  with  a  number  of  other  prisoners. 
Here  he  was  in  various  ways  basely  treated  and  insulted. 
But  while  there,  a  Captain  Miller,  with  whom  he  had  been 
on  terms  of  intimacy,  happened  to  pass  by,  and  inquired 
of  him  how' he  came  there,  and  after  being  informed  of  his 
case,  he  said  he  would  try  and  effect  his  release.  A  few 
minutes  after,  a  file  of  soldiers  came  and  took  him  before 
one  of  General  Howe's  Aids,  by  the  nameof  Cuyler,  who 
was  from  Albany,  who  inquired  and  questioned  him  about 
his  situation.  He  asked  him  if  he  would  take  a  protection 
and  go  home  on  his  farm.  Captain  Vanderveer  answer- 
ed that  he  would,  provided  they  would  not  compel  him  to 
fight  against  his  countr5^  Cuyler  replied,  with  an  oath, 
that  they  had  fighting  men  enough,  but  as  he  had  promis- 
ed him  a  protection,  he  would  give  him  one.  He  present- 
ed it  to  him  accordingly,  and  said  he  might  go  to  the  re- 
bels again,  for  what  he  cared.  Captain  Vanderveer  took 
the  protection  and  remained  on  his  farm,  but  was  abused 
and  robbed  by  the  Hessians,  who  paid  no  respect  to  his 
protection,  and  took  the  last  shirt  he  had  from  his  back^  so 
that  he  was  compelled  to  walk  about  with  an  old  great 
coat,  which  he  found,  to  cover  his  nakedness,  until  he 
could  get  other  clothes.  His  faithful  colored  man  Adam, 
continued  with  him  all  the  while. 

Flatbush  was  now  in  the  hands  of  the  British,  and  con- 
tinned  within  their  lines  until  the  close  of  the  war.  During 
the  short  tarry  of  the  army  in  the  village,  they  committed 
many  depredations.     They  pillaged  the  houses  and  des- 


154 

troyed  as  much  property  as  they  well  could.     It  was  sad 
indeed  to  the  inhabitants  to  witness  this  on  re- visiting  their 
homes.     As  soon  as  the  British  had  taken  possession  of 
New- York,  and  the  army  had  left  the  Island,  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Flatbush  began  to  return.     Some  were  absent  on- 
ly a  few  days,  but  others   did  not  reach  their  homes  until 
nearly  mid-winter.     The  scene  presented  to   the  view  of 
those  who  came  back  soon  after  the  battle,   was  distress- 
ing indeed.     The  place  where  the  encampment  had  been, 
was  strewed  with  feathers,   straw,  papers  and   pieces  of 
furniture,  which  had  been  taken  from  the  houses.     In  the 
street,  which  was  grown  over  with  high  grass,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  frequent  rains,  which  occurred  at  that  time, 
and  the  interruption  of  nearly  all   travelling,  were  to  be 
seen,   in    addition  other  things,  skins  of  hogs,  which  had 
been  slain,  and  heads  of  cattle,  with  their  horns  on  them, 
presenting  a  frightful  picture  of  the  haste  and  waste  which 
had  characterized  the   army.     On  visiting  their  houses, 
they  found  the  greater  part  of  their  furniture  broken  and 
almost  every  thing  valuable  about  their  premises  injured. 
So  wanton  had  been  the  waste,  that  feather  beds  had  not 
only  been  ripped  up,  and  the    contents  scattered,   but  in 
some  instances  the  feathers  had  been  emptied  into  wells. 
The  best  rooms  in  the  houses  had  been  used  as  stables  for 
the  horses,  while  the  drawers  in  their  cupboards  and  bureaus 
had  served  as  mangers  and  feeding  troughs.     As  we  may 
well  suppose,  the  whole  town  exhibited   a  scene  of  wide 
spread  desolation. 

On  their  return  the  males  were  obliged  to  take  the  oath 
of  allegiance  to  the  British  crown.  This  most  of  them  did. 
It  was  administered  in  the  church.  It  may  be  here  asked, 
why  did  they  not  join  the  American  army  and  fight  in  be- 
half of  the  country.   The  answer  to  this  question  is  found 


155 

in  the  fact,  that  all  their  property — their  families  and  their 
homes  were  in  the  hands  of  the  British.  By  returning 
and  submitting  to  their  authority,  they  would  be  able 
to  preserve  these  from  destruction ;  whereas,  had  they 
connected  themselves  with  the  American  army,  no  doubt 
eveiy  thing  they  had  on  the  earth  would  have  been  swept 
from  them,  a  sacrifice  which  we  believe  few,  if  any,  made 
during  that  eventful  struggle.  But  we  are  not  to  sup- 
pose that  there  were  no  friends  of  the  American  cause  at 
that  time,  and  during  the  war,  in  Flatbush.  We  shall 
presently  see  that  in  a  most  important  way  they  aided  in 
achieving  our  national   independence. 

After  the  battle  on  Long-Island,  the  church  and  the  old 
school-house  were  used  for  the  accommodation  of  the  pri- 
soners and  the  sick.  Three  private  houses  were  also  em- 
ployed as  hospitals.  The  house  now  occupied  by  Mr.  J.  C. 
Bergen,  the  house  belonging  to  the  heirs  of  Cornelius  An- 
tonides,  and  the  dwelling  of  Mr.  Rem  Vanderbilt.  In  this 
latter  house,  in  which  Mr.  Seymour  now  resides,  and  which 
then  stood  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road,  the  wounded 
American  officers  were  brought.  The  principal  hospital 
for  the  soldiers  was  the  old  school-house.  Many  of  these 
wounded  prisoners  appear  soon  to  have  died  ;  for  when 
one  individual  returned,  who  was  absent  but  thirteen 
days,  she  counted  twenty-eight  new  graves  in  the  church- 
yard, and  it  is  probable  that  most  of  these  contained  more 
than  one  body. 

After  the  capture  of  Fort  Washington,  which  took  place 
in  November  of  this  same  year,  (1776,)  a  great  number 
more  prisoners  were  brought  to  Flatbush,  and  billetted  on 
the  inhabitants.  It  is  supposed  that  no  less  than  four 
hundred  were  kept  in  the  southern  towns  of  Kings  County. 


156 

The  only  regiment  left  in  Flatbush  after  the  battle,  was 
42d  Regiment  of  Highlanders.  They  however  soon  re- 
moved, and  were  succeeded  by  a  guard  of  fifty  men 
mider  Lieut.  Dalrymple.  These  continued  for  some 
time,  when  upon  their  removal,  Col.  Axtell,  who  resided 
in  the  house  now  owned  by  Mr.  Mowatt,  and  who  was  a 
violent  Tory,  collected  a  company  called  the  Nassau 
Blues.  The  command  of  this  was  committed  to  his  ne- 
phew Capt.  Depeyster.  They  appear  to  have  been  taken 
from  the  lowest  ranks,  and  were  mostly  persons  of  bad 
moral  character.  Col.  Axtell  wished  that  they  should  be 
united  with  the  militia  of  the  town,  but  the  militia  opposed 
it,  and  would  by  no  means  give  their  consent  to  such  a 
measure.  These  Nassau  Blues,  from  their  low  and  gen- 
erally  miserable  appearance,  were  nicknamed  by  the  in- 
habitants  the  "  Nasty  Blues."  They  were  not  billetted 
upon  the  town,  but  had  possession  chiefly  of  the  court- 
house. Of  so  bad  a  character  were  thev,  that  in  their 
blasphemy,  they  called  themselves  "  the  Holy  Ghosters." 

After  the  return  of  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush  to  their 
houses,  in  the  fall  of  1776,  an  epidemic  broke  out  among 
them,  arising  as  was  supposed  from  the  effluvia  connected 
with  the  Hessian  and  British  encampment,  and  which  in 
consequence  was  called  the  camp-fever.  It  seized  great 
numbers,  and  proved  fatal  to  many  ;  and  among  others, 
to  some  of  the  most  respectable  and  influential  persons  in 
the  town. 

We  should  be  glad  to  furnish  a  list  of  all  the  American 
prisoners  who  were  billetted  in  Flatbush  during  the  war, 
particularly  the  names  of  tlic  officers,  but  this  is  impos- 
sible. Among  the  latter  were  Gen.  Silliman,  Col.  Raw- 
lings,  Col.   Magaw,  Col.  Miles,  Col.  Atlce,  Col.  (after- 


157 

wards    Gen.)    Williams,    Col.    Barby,    Capts.    Fitzhugh 
Randolph,    Bailey,  Biles,    Patton,  the  subsequent  Post- 
master of  Philadelphia,  and   a   number  of  others.     But 
we  cannot  forbear  a  special  notice  of  Major  David  Lenox. 
He  was  billetted  upon  Mr.  Bateman  Lloyd.     During  his 
residence   as  a   prisoner,  he   was  visited  by  his  brothers 
Robert  and  William,  with  a  view  to  bring  him  to  abandon 
the  American    cause.     They   tried   every   motive,    and 
pressed  him  by  considerations  the  most  tender.     The  in- 
terview  was   had   under  the  large  linden-tree  near   the 
house.    On  their  leaving  him,  he  was  met  by  the  present 
Mrs.  Lloyd,  who  observing  him  to   be    bathed  in  tears, 
asked  what  was  the  cause  of  his  distress.     He  told  her 
that  his  brothers  had  been   endeavoring  to  prevail  with 
him  to  forsake  the  Americans  and  join  the  British.     But 
said  he  with  Roman  firmness,  "  I  will  never  do  it." 

The  circumstances  which  led  to  the  removal  of  Major 
Lenox  from  Flatbush,  show  his  noble  daring  and  firmness, 
and  at  the  same  time  the  spirit  of  oppression  which  distin- 
guished the  officers  of  the  British  army.  The  news  of  * 
the  capture  of  Burgoyne  in  1777,  having  reached  the 
American  prisoners  paroled  on  Long-Island,  Major  James 
Hamilton  and  Dr.  Stewart  repaired  to  Flatbush  to  cele- 
brate together  with  Major  Lenox  an  event  so  propitious 
to  the  cause  of  their  country,  and  so  congenial  to  their  best 
hopes  and  most  sanguine  wishes.  The  night  was  passed 
at  the  festive  board,  but  their  conduct  was  in  no  wav  cal- 
culated  to  offend  ;  no  extravagant  symptom  of  exultation 
was  shown,  for  bolstering  mirth  would  have  degraded  a  feel- 
ing of  delight,  silent  but  sincere.  In  the  morning,  a  fish-car 
filled  with  shad,  passing  through  the  village.  Major  Lenox 
asked  the  proprietor  if  he  would  sell  a  part  of  his  load:  "not 

14 


158 

to  a  rebel  scoundrel,"  he'replied,  "  though  he  be  starving." 
The  offensive  answer  was  no  sooner  given  than  resented. 
Major  Lenox  struck  the  speaker  to  the  earth.  A  fray  was 
the  immediate  consequence,  in  which  the  American  offi- 
cers, as  might  have  been  expected,  were  overpowered  and 
severely  beaten.  But  this  was  not  the  last  of  their  suffer- 
ings. Charged  with  an  assault  and  conducted  upon  the 
testimony  of  their  adversary,  before  General  Pigot,  Ma- 
jor Lenox,  in  a  plain  unvarnished  representation  of  facts, 
stated  the  provocation,  and  asked  "  if  it  were  possible  to 
have  withheld  punishment  from  a  rascal,  who  so  wanton- 
ly sought  and  so  richly  deserved  it."  "  It  is  our  busi- 
ness," replied  the  Genei'al,  "  to  protect  and  cherish  such 
of  your  countrymen  as  seek  our  protection.  You  must 
submit  therefore  to  ask  pardon  for  the  outrage  committed, 
or  take  the  consequences  that  must  inevitably  follow." 
"  Ask  pardon  of  that  scoundrel,"  said  Lenox,  "  never"  ! 
"  Will  you,  sir,"  said  the  General  to  Hamilton  :  "  May  I 
perish  if  I  do,"  was  the  reply.  The  question  was  then 
put  to  Dr.  Steward,  and  answered  with  equal  indignation. 
"  You  must  be  introduced  then"  said  the  irritated  Gene- 
ral, "  to  the  Provost  Marshall.  Mr.  Cunningham,  they 
are  your  prisoners,  you  know  your  duty."  Six  months 
of  close  and  rigorous  confinement  in  the  Provost,  (a  place 
of  misery,  second  only  to  the  celebrated  prison  ship,  Jer- 
sey,) was  the  consequence  of  an  act,  that  a  generous  ene- 
my would  not  only  have  thought  just,  but  commendable. 
The  American  prisoners  had  the  liberty  of  all  the 
southern  towns.  They  were  required  to  report  them- 
selves at  certain  times  and  places.  When  the  French 
fleet,  under  Count  De  Estaing  was  expected,  and  when  af- 
ter their  arrival  they  laid  off  tlie  shore,  these  prisoners 


159 

went  daily  to  the  top  of  Vanderbilts  hill,  to  view  them. 
And  with  regard  to  this  hill,  we  may  remark,  in  passing, 
that  General  Clinton,  once  rode  down  it  so  rapidly,  that 
his  Aids  could  not  follow  him. 

Among  the  prisoners  in  the  county  was  Capt.  William 
M arriner.  He  was  quartered  on  parole,  at  Mr.  Rem  Van 
Pelt's,  at  New-Utrecht.  In  the  exercise  of  his  privilege, 
he  often  visited  Flatbush.  Dr.  Van  Buren's  tavern,  the 
house  now  occupied  by  Duryee  Wiggins,  was  a  place  of 
great  resort.  Here  he  met  among  others,  with  the  lead- 
ing tories  in  the  place.  These  were  Colonel  Axtell,  Co- 
lonel Matthews,  the  Mayor  of  New-York,  Major  Sher- 
brook,  Mr.  Beach  and  Major  Moncrief.  On  one  occasion, 
probably  in  consequence  of  the  too  free  use  of  his  sarcas- 
tic wit,  he  was  insulted  and  ill  treated  by  this  clan,  par- 
ticularly by  Major  Moncrief.  After  Captain  Marriner's 
exchange,  in  1780,  he  determined  to  visit  Flatbush,  and 
capture,  if  possible,  all  these  abusive  tories,  who  were  ve- 
ry obnoxious  to  the  American  officers.  He  was  a  brave 
and  daring  man.  For  the  purpose  of  carrying  his  design 
into]execution,  he  repaired  to  New-Brunswick,  and  procu- 
red a  whaleboat,  which  he  manned  with  twenty  two  vo- 
lunteers. With  this  he  crossed  the  bay,  and  landed  at 
Bath,  about  half-past  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening.  He 
made  prisoners  of  three  black  men,  who  were  fishing,  and 
then  leaving  two  persons  in  charge  of  his  boat,  he  march- 
ed off  with  the  rest  of  his  party  towards  Flatbush.  On 
his  way,  he  stopped  at  the  house  of  Rem  Van  Pelt,  his  old 
quarters,  and  also  at  his  fathers',  in  consequence  of 
which,  these  persons  were  afterwards  apprehended  and 
confined  in  Provost,  in  New- York,  on  suspicion  of  being 
concerned  with  him.  Marriner  reached  the  Flatbush 
church  without  molestation.     Here  he  divided  his  men  into 


160 

four  squads,  assigning  a  house  to  each.  Each  party  had  a 
heavy  post,  for  the  purpose  of  breaking  in  the  doors.  The 
village  was  all  silence.  The  houses  were  all  known,  and 
it  was  agreed,  that  when  the  party  detached  for  Colonel 
Axtell,  whose  dwelling  was  farthest  from  the  church, 
struck  his  door,  each  party  should  do  the  same  at  the  other 
houses.  Captain  Marriner  selected  the  house  of  George 
Martense,  the  father  of  the  present  Mrs.  Catin,  where  his 
friend  Major  Moncrief  quartered  for  himself.  Time  was 
given  for  the  parties  to  arrive  at  their  several  houses,  and 
then,  at  the  concerted  signal,  the  doors  were  all  burst 
open,  nearly  at  the  same  time.  The  first  stroke  at  the 
door  where  Major  Moncrief  resided,  alarmed  him,  and  he 
fled  to  the  garret,  and  hid  himself  behind  the  chimney. 
"  I  entered  his  room,."  says  Marriner,  "  and  finding  his  bed 
warm,  I  ordered  aunt  Jannetie  to  bring  a  candle.  We 
ran  to  the  garret  and  found  our  prize  shivering  behind  the 
large  Dutch  chimney,  with  his  breeches  in  his  hands. 
We  took  him  to  the  church,  our  place  of  rendezvous, 
where  we  put  on  his  smallclothes."  Mr.  or  Major  Beach, 
who  resided  in  the  house  lately  vacated  by  Mr.  Michael 
Schoonmaker,  was  also  seized,  as  well  as  Colonel  Sher- 
brook,  who  lived  in  the  old  house  belonging  to  Garret  Mar- 
tense,  Esq.  which  stood  in  front  of  Mr.  Seymour's,  and  has 
been  divided  as  we  have  heretofore  stated,  and  made  into 
two  small  barns.  But  Colonel  Axtell  and  Colonel  Mat- 
thews,  the  mayor  of  New-York,  who  resided  in  the  house 
belonging  to  Jacobus  Vandeventer,  which  stood  where  the 
dwelling  of  Judge  Lott  now  stands,  escaped,  in  conse- 
quence of  their  being  that  night  in  New- York.  The  se- 
veral parties  having  assembled  again  at  the  church,  they 
marched  off  with  their  prisoners,  unmolested  to  their  boat* 


161 

although  it  was  a  fine  moon-light  night,  in  the  middle  of 
summer.  In  his  account  of  the  matter,  Captain  Marri- 
ner  says,  that  Dom.  Rubell  rung  the  alarm  bell,  before 
we  were  half  a  mile  from  the  church,  and  Dr.  Van  Samp- 
er, who  lived  at  Mr.  Martense's,  sung  out,  "  Goedt  luck, 
Goedt  luck  :  not  me,  not  me."  The  spirits  called  from 
their  sleep  by  the  alarm  bell,  did  not  pursue  Captain 
Marriner,  and  he  arrived  safe  at  his  boat,  and  carried  his 
distinguished  prisoners  to  New-Brunswick.  Time  will 
not  permit  us  to  pursue  this  affair  farther,  and  give  an  ac- 
count of  the  taking  up  and  imprisoning  af  certain  persons 
in  New-Utrecht,  on  suspicion  of  being  connected  with 
Marriner  in  the  cnterprize*. 

The  inhabitants  of  Flatbush  during  the  war,  particu- 
larly those  who  were  supposed  to  be  in  favor  of  the  Ame- 
rican cause  were  subject  to  a  variety  of  exactions  from 
the  British  authorities.  Their  property  too  was  often  sto- 
len, cattle  were  taken  from  the  fields,  hogs  from  their 
pens,  and  horses  from  their  stalls.  The  hen  roosts  were 
frequently  robbed,  and  almost  every  kind  of  plundering 
and  thieving  committed.  When  horses  were  wanted  by 
the  British  for  any  service,  they  were  seized  without  ce- 
remony. On  one  occasion,  Colonel  L***,  of  Flatlands, 
attempted  to  take  the  horses  of  Captain  Vanderveer,  while 
he  was  ploughing  with  them  in  the   field.     The  Captain 


*  In  the  account  heretofore  published  of  this  incident,  the  name  of 
Major  Moncricf  does  not  ap[)ear,  while  Colonel  Sherbrook  is  repre- 
sented as  the  principal  object  of  capture  by  Marriner.  But  this  is  incor- 
rect. It  was  Major  Moncrief  who  had  principally  insulted  him,  and 
he  was  the  person  whom  he  desired  chiefly  to  take.  The  account 
Tiven  above,  contains  the  true  statement  of  the  whole  affair. 

14* 


refused  to  give  up  his  horses,  and  showed  his  protection, 
and  orders  from  Captain  Dalrymple.  This  so  disconcert, 
ed  the  Colonel,  that  he  was  quite  enraged,  and  in  a  violent 
manner  exclaimed,  "  You,  Flatbushers  are  always  med- 
dling." He  went  then  and  seized  the  horses  of  Judge 
Lott  and  of  Judge  Vanderbilt,  who  had  no  protection. 

During  the  greater  part  of  the  war,  a  guard  was  kept 
up  in  the  village.  For  a  considerable  time  this  was  done 
by  the  militia  of  the  town.  The  object  was,  not  so  much 
to  watch  the  prisoners,  as  to  detect  sailors  and  stragglers, 
who  would  leave  their  vessels  off  the  beach  and  come 
through  the  village,  on  their  way  to  New- York,  for  the 
purpose  of  escaping  being  taken  by  the  press-gang,  who 
were  coasting  on  the  waters,  in  and  about  the  city.  The 
guard  detailed  for  duty  consisted  usually  of  seven,  of 
whom  two  were  sent  out  on  patrol.  Several  amusing 
anecdotes  occurred  relative  to  this  guard,  but  we  have 
not  room  to  narrate  them. 

In  1781,  a  regiment  of  new  recruits,  under  Colonel 
Hewlett,  raised  chiefly  in  Queens  County,  came  to  Flatbush 
and  were  billetted  on  the  inhabitants.  After  these,  a  re- 
giment who  had  been  taken  prisoners  in  the  West-Indies, 
from  Waldack  in  Germany,  commanded  by  Colonel  De 
Horn,  were  sent  to  the  place,  and  billetted  upon  the  inha- 
bitants to  a  certain  extent.  They  were  obliged  to  find 
them  quarters,  but  not  provisions.  The  officers  had  their 
own  rooms,  and  the  soldiers  generally  occupied  the  kitch- 
ens of  the  houses.  This  regiment  behaved  well ;  no  de- 
predations were  committed  by  them.  We  cannot  refrain 
from  giving  an  account  of  one  of  them.  His  name  was 
Raymond.  He  was  desirous  of  joining  the  American 
army ;  for  this  purpose  he  deserted,  and  at  great  risk,  got 


163 

on  board  of  an  American  merchant  ship, — unfortunately 
for  poor  Raymond,  this  ship  was  soon  captured  by  the 
British,  and  the  deserter  was  sent  back  to  Flatbush  to  his 
regiment.  A  court-martial  was  held  upon  his  case,  and 
he  was  sentenced  to  pass  through  the  gantlet,  as  it  was 
called,  ten  times,  and  each  time  to  be  whipped.  He  was 
prepared  with  bare  back  accordingly,  and  the  regiment 
being  arranged  in  open  file,  poor  Raymond  passed  with  a 
file  of  soldiers  before  him  to  prevent  his  going  faster  than 
such  a  gate,  through  the  long  line,  while  every  man  on 
either  side  was  required  to  give  him  a  cut  with  a  whip. 
At  the  end  of  each  turn,  a  sergeant  passed  through  the 
line  with  a  fresh  supply  of  whips,  and  every  soldier  drew 
from  the  bunch  a  new  rod,  with  which  more  severely  to 
punish  Raymond.  This  was  enacted  ten  times — and  one 
would  have  supposed  that  at  the  end  of  it,  Raymond  would 
have  fallen  down  dead.  His  back,  as  might  have  been  sup- 
posed, was  dreadfully  lacerated,  almost  every  whip  drawing 
blood ;  but  as  if  by  a  miracle,  the  poor  fellow  survived, 
and  eventually  got  well.  But  all  this  whipping  did  not 
drive  out  of  liim  a  love  to  the  American  cause.  He  de- 
termined again  to  desert ;  but  before  doing  so,  wished  to 
revenge  himself  by  killing  his  Colonel.  But  his  asso- 
ciates would  not  agree  with  him  in  this  undertaking.  He 
however,  with  some  few  others,  eventually  deserted  and 
got  safely  within  the  American  lines,  and  on  visiting 
Philadelphia  and  making  his  story  known,  he  was  treated 
with  such  signal  attention,  as  almost  to  compensate  him 
for  his  past  trials  and  sufferings. 

Among  others  who  were  billetted  in  Flatbush,  were  the 
soldiers  who  had  fought  in  Canada,  in  the  French  war. 
Of  these  nothing  particular  is  told.     For  accommodating 


164 

these,  as  well  as  the  regiment  of  the  Waldeckers,  no' 
compensation  was  allowed  to  the  inhabitants.  Among  the 
many  troops  belonging  to  the  British,  who  from  time  to 
time  were  in  Flatbush,  many  were  desirous  of  going  over 
to  the  American  army,  and  several  desertions  took  place. 
Among  others,  a  Captain  Lyman  of  Boston.  He  became 
involved  in  debt  and  sold  his  commission  in  the  British 
service.  He  was  soon  greatly  reduced  in  his  circumstan- 
ces, and  had  to  sleep  in  the  open  air  under  the  stacks. 
The  American  prisoners  hearing  of  his  situation,  made  a 
collection  for  him — had  a  suit  of  coating  made  for  him  at 
the  house  of  Captain  Cornelius  Vanderveer,  and  furnished 
him  with  means  to  escape  beyond  the  British  lines.  He 
travelled  safely  towards  the  east  end  of  the  island,  passed 
over  to  Connecticut,  and  eventually  joined  the  Americans. 
Near  the  close  of  the  war,  a  Saxon  regiment,  who  were 
dressed  in  FrenCti  clothing,  came  to  Flatbush,  and  were 
quartered  upon  the  inhabitants.  Many  of  these,  and  in 
fact  the  whole  regiment,  was  desirous  of  going  over  to  the 
American  army.  One  of  the  soldiers  who  was  bil letted 
at  Captain  Vanderveer's,  came  to  the  present  J.  C.  Van- 
derveer, Esq.  one  morning  very  early,  before  he  had  left 
his  bed,  and  told  him  their  wishes,  and  offered  him  money 
if  he  would  pilot  them.  Mr.  Vanderveer  told  him  of  the 
entire  impracticability  of  the  enterprize,  on  account  of 
the  distance  of  the  American  lines,  and  the  waters  which 
they  would  have  to  cross.  He  was  induced  in  conse- 
quence of  this,  to  leave  him.  But  next  morning  he 
brought  one  of  his  officers  to  Mr.  Vanderveer,  who  told  the 
same  story — that  the  wliole  regiment  were  ready  to  Join 
the  Americans,  and  pressed  him  to  guide  them.  He  told 
them  again  that  the  matter  was  utterly  impossible  ;  that 


I 


165 

if  they  attempted  it,  there  was  no  escaping  detection  and 
death,  and  accordingly  they  desisted.  But  the  soldier 
and  some  others  did  attempt  to  desert,  and  were  taken  and 
put  on  board  a  man-of-war.  After  a  short  time,  the 
whole  regiment  was  removed.  The  incident  is  interest- 
ing and  important,  as  showing  how  popular  the  cause  of 
the  Americans  was,  even  with  many  who  were  brought 
here  to  fight  against  them. 


AID    AFFORDED 


TO  THE 


AMERICAN  CAUSE  DURING  THE  WAR  OF  THE 

REVOLUTION. 


We  now  open  an  interesting  chapter  in  the  History  of 
Flatbush.  It  relates  to  the  pecuniary  aid  afforded  by  this, 
in  common  with  some  of  the  other  towns  in  Kings  County, 
to  the  advancement  of  the  American  cause,  during  the 
struggle  which  eventuated  in  our  independence.  While 
from  the  circumstances  in  which  the  inhabitants  of  this 
part  of  the  country  were  placed,  they  could  not  personally 
enlist  in  the  army  without  sacrificing  their  all  ;  many  of 
them  furnished  money,  appropriately  called  the  sinews 
of  war,  with  which  to  carry  on  the  contest.  This,  in  view 
of  the  situation  of  the  country  at  various  times  during  the 
revolutionary  conflict,  was  exceedingly  important.  The 
currency  of  the  country  consisted  chiefly  in  continental 
paper.  This  had  become  so  much  depreciated,  that  it 
was  of  little  value,  and  it  was  absolutely  essential  to  the 
success  of  the  American  cause,  that  specie  should  be  ob- 
tained. It  was  therefore  contrived  to  borrow  money  for 
the  use  of  the  army,  from  the  whigs,  on  the  west  end  of 
Long-Island,  who  had   in  their  possession  large  sums  of 


167 

gold  and  silver.  The  agent  in  effecting  these  loans,  was 
Major  Hendrick  WyckofF.  He  was  the  only  son  of  Mr.  Cor- 
nelius Wyckoff,  of  New-Lots,  in  this  town.  His  father  was 
a  staunch  whig,  and  his  son  the  Major,  early  enlisted  with 
all  his  heart,  in  the  cause  of  his  country.  He  left  Long- 
Island  with  the  American  army,  in  September,  1776,  and 
remained  in  the  service,  and  virtually  an  exile  from  his 
home,  till  the  British  left  the  country,  in  1783.  He  was  a 
confidential  friend  of  Governor  George  Clinton,  and  a  brave 
discreet  and  enterprising  officer,  a  man  of  sterling  integrity 
and  honesty.  His  country's  enemies  were  his  enemies, 
and  her  friends  his  friends.  Being  well  acquainted  with 
the  inhabitants  of  the  west  end  of  Long-Island,  and  who 
among  them  were  true  friends  of  American  Independence, 
after  the  plan  of  obtaining  money  from  them  was  sugges- 
ted, the  execution  of  it  was  committed  to  him. 

The  loaning  of  money  appears  to  have  originated  with 
Lieutenant  Samuel  Dodge,  who  was  taken  prisoner  at 
Fort  Montgomery,  in  October,  1777.  The  officers  who 
were  captured  in  the  Fort  at  that  time,  were  brought  to 
New-York,  and  distributed  on  parole  in  Kings  County. 
Lieutenant  Dodge  and  Captain  Gilleland,  were  quartered 
at  the  house  of  Mr.  Barent  Johnson,  the  father  of  the  present 
General  Jeremiah  Johnson,  of  Brooklyn.  He  was  ex- 
changed in  the  early  part  of  the  following  November. 
On  his  return,  Mr.  Johnson,  who  was  a  firm  and  devoted 
whig,  loaned  him  a  small  sum  of  money,  and  probably 
suggested  the  idea  of  obtaining  specie  in  Kings  County. 
Colonel  Ellison,  who  was  a  prisoner  in  New-Utrecht,  on 
parole,  was  advised  on  the  subject,  and  when  he  was  ex- 
changed in  December,  1777,  he  obtained  a  loan  of  £700, 
to  the  State  from  Mr.  Barent  Johnson,  which  he  carried 
with  him.     This  was  the  first  Itmn,  for  which  a  simple 


168 

private  receipt  on  account  was  given.  Several  receipts 
of  the  like  import,  amounting  to  85000,  were  taken  by 
Mr.  Johnson  before  his  death  in  1782,  a  noble  testimony 
to  his  devotedness  to  the  interests  of  his  country. 

The  practicability  of  obtaining  money  in  King  County 
being  thus  manifest,  the  whole  conducting  of  the  affair 
was  intrusted  to   Major  Wyckoff.     It  was  an  enterprize 
attended  with  imminent  danger,  and   one  which  required 
great  skill  and  secrecy  in  its  execution.     The  plan  usual- 
ly pursued  by  the  Major,  was  to  cross  the  sound  from  Con- 
necticut, and  conceal  himself  at  Cow  Neck.      The  house 
in  which  he  was  usually  secreted,  was  that  of  Peter  On- 
derdonk,  a  warm  friend  of  the  American  cause.     He  was 
entrusted  by  Governor  Clinton,  with  blank  notes,   signed 
by  him,  which  the  Major  was  to  fill  up  to  certain  indivi- 
duals,  for  such  sums  as  he  received  from  them.     He  had 
his  agents  in  this  part  of  Kings  County,  who  obtained  mo- 
ney for  him,  and  took  it  to  him.     Judge  Cowenhoven  of 
New-Utrecht,  the  father-in-law,  of  Mrs.  Catin,  was  one  of 
these.    He  carried  to  the  Major,  the  chief  part  of  the  mo- 
ney raised  for  this  object,  in  Flatbush.     Major  Wyckoff 
would  occasionally  venture   himself  within  the   British 
lines.     He  visited  his  father's  house  in  New-Lots,  and  in 
the  winter  of  the  year  1780,  he  was  several  days  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  Remsen,  at  the  Wallaboght,  in  sight  of  the 
prison  ship,  Jersey.     In  the  evening  they  rode  out,  when 
Mr.  Remsen  would  borrow  money,  with  which  they  would 
return  at  night.     In   the   day  they  would   count  it  on  a 
blanket,  and  bag  it.     When  the  Major  had  as  much  as  it 
was  safe  to  take,  Mr.  Remsen  took  him  and  the  cash  to 
Mr.  Oiiderdonk's,  at  Cow  Neck.    In  effecting  this  service 
for  his  country,  Major  Wyckoff  ran  many  risks  of  his  life. 
On  one  occasion  he  was  concealed  for  two  or  more  days 


169 

and  nights  in  a  thicket  of  briar  bushes,  from  which  lie 
could  see  the  men  who  were  in  pursuit  of  him. 

The  amount  of  money  loaned  to  the  State  by  the  whig 
inhabitants  of  Flatbush  cannot  be  fully  ascertained.  We 
should  be  glad  to  name  all  who  thus  favored  their  coun- 
try's cause,  but  strange  to  say,  no  record  of  these  trans- 
actions has  been  made  or  preserved.  We  can  only  men- 
tion such  as  have  come  to  our  knowledge,  without  design- 
ing to  cast  any  reflection  upon  others.  The  mother  of  the 
present  old  Mrs.  Lefferts  advanced  £500,  equal  to  $1250. 
On  one  occasion,  when  counting  out  the  money  to  the 
person  who  was  about  to  take  it  to  Major  Wyckoff,  a  Bri- 
tish officer  entered  the  house,  and  she  came  near  being 
discovered  and  apprehended.  Captain  Cornelius  Yan- 
derveer  and  Judge  Lott,  united  in  advancing  on  a  certain 
occasion,  a  sum  of  money.  What  the  precise  amount,  was 
we  know  not.  But  they  received  the  simple  note  signed 
by  Governor  Clinton.  To  preserve  this  voucher,  they  en- 
closed it  in  a  bottle.  This  being  well  corked,  they  buri- 
ed it  under  one  of  the  post  of  Mr.  Vanderveer's  barn.  At 
the  close  of  the  war,  they  dug  up  the  bottle,  but  on  open- 
ing it  they  found  that  all  the  writing  on  the  note  was  ob- 
literated, except  the  signature  of  George  Clinton.  When 
the  State  repaid  these  loans,  this  note  among  others,  was 
presented.  The  Governor  inquired  into  the  cause  of  its 
being  so  defaced,  and  at  first  hesitated  to  honor  it.  But  on 
beinjT  told  the  circumstances  connected  with  it,  he  bono- 
rably  discharged  it. 

Mr.  George  Martense,  the  father  of  Mrs.Catin,  probably 
advanced  the  largest  amount  of  money  of  any  individual 
in  the  town.  He  loaned  first  and  last,  £2200,  equal  to 
$5500.     This  was  the  more  commendable  on  his  part,  as 

15 


170 

he  was  regarded  by  the  British  as  favorable  to  them.  He 
had  not  fled  when  they  entered  the  town,  and  they  injured 
no  part  of  his  property.  At  his  house  too,  the  British  offi- 
cers  often  visited,  and  Major  Moncrief  had  his  quarters. 
All  these  sums  were  given  in  specie,  and  when  the  loans, 
after  the  revolution  were  paid,  it  was  in  the  same  currency. 
When  Mr.  George  Martense  went  for  his  money,  he  took 
a  cart,  it  is  said,  and  the  silver  completely  filled  it. 

The  process  of  loaning  money  continued  till  the  peace. 
Many  timid  whigs  ventured  as  the  prospects  of  the  coun- 
try brightened,  and  loaned  their  money.  They  knew  the 
purpose  and  the  danger  in  aiding  the  American  cause. 
To  tell  was  death.  A  combination  in  what  was  esteem- 
ed treasonable  acts,  bound  them  strongly  together. 

It  is  supposed  that  before  the  war  terminated,  not  far 
from  $200,000,  in  specie,  had  been  loaned  and  carried 
out  of  the  British  lines,  by  this  devoted  band.  And  what 
is  remarkable,  not  a  single  person  who  aided  in  this  busi- 
ness was  discovered.  It  is  to  be  regretted,  that  a  public 
record  of  these  transactions,  so  honorable  to  the  whigs  of 
Kings  County,  is  not  in  existence.  "  I  have  searched," 
says  General  Johnson,  in  a  communication  to  the  author, 
"  the  records  and  public  papers,  of  the  war,  at  Albany, 
but  no  entries  of  this  matter  can  be  found." 

Major  WyckofF  after  the  peace  engaged  in  mercantile 
business,  with  Judge  Smith  (also  an  exile)  under  the  firm 
of  Smith  and  Wyckoff",  New- York.  He  died  in  the  year 
1791,  at  his  fathers'  liouse  in  New-Lots,  being  about  fifty 
years  of  age.  His  funeral  was  attended  by  a  large  con- 
course of  people,  desirous  of  paying  their  last  respects  to 
a  man,  who  had  braved  danger  and  difficulty,  in  the  ser- 
vice of  his  country.    Amonii:  these,  were  the  military  offi- 


171 

cers  of  the  city  of  New-York,  and  his  personal  friend, 
George' Clinton,  the  Governor  of  the  State. 

At  the  close  of  the  war,  a  liberty  pole  was  erected  in 
Flatbush.  It  was  near  the  spot  where  the  present  one 
stands.  The  occasion  was  one  of  great  joy  and  hilarity. 
Materials  for  the  flag  having  been  procured,  a  party  of 
ladies  assembled  at  the  house  of  Mr.  JohnC.  Vanderveer, 
for  the  purpose  of  making  it.  Several  young  persons 
gathered  together  in  the  evening,  and  much  dancing  and 
merriment  were  indulged  in.  But  it  was  interrupted  by 
a  sensation  of  an  earthquake,  which  was  then  very  strong- 
ly felt.  The  flag  however,  duly  formed,  with  its  stripes 
and  stars  was  completed  and  a  time  was  set  for  the  putting 
up  of  the  pole  and  displaying  for  the  first  time  in  Flatbush, 
the  American  signal.  A  large  concourse  assembled  on 
the  occasion.  It  was  celebrated  with  the  firing  of  cannon, 
and  other  demonstrations  of  joy.  An  unfortunate  acci- 
dent occurred,  however,  which  greatly  marred  the  plea- 
sure of  the  scene.  Mr.  Henry  Van  Beuren,  the  brother 
of  Courtland  Van  Beuren,  the  father  of  the  present  Mrs, 
Hasbrook,  was  severely  wounded.  He  was  engaged  in 
ramming  down  a  charge  in  the  cannon,  when  from  some 
cause  the  piece  discharged  itself.  The  ramrod  was  driv- 
en with  great  violence  from  the  cannon,  and  severely  la- 
cerated the  hand  and  arm  of  poor  Van  Beuren,  and  also 
passed  along  his  thigh  and  laid  open  the  flesh  almost 
through  its  whole  extent.  The  wound  was  a  very  dan- 
gerous one,  and  it  was  feared  at  the  time,  that  it  would 
prove  fatal.  He  however,  after  a  very  long  confinement 
finally  recovered. 

The  evening  of  the  day  on  which  the  liberty  pole  was 
erected,  was  spent  in  festivity.     A  large  public  ball  was 


172 

held,  the  company  using  for  the  occasion  the  court  room, 
from  which  the  British  officers  had  previously  removed  the 
seats  and  benches,  to  render  it  suitable  for  similar  amuse- 
ments on  their  part ;  little  dreaming  that  they  whom  they 
regarded  as  dastardly  rebels,  would  use  these  accommoda- 
tions to  celebrate,  in  the  same  place  the  achievement  of 
their  independence  from  foreign  oppression. 


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MODERN  CHANGES  AND  IMPROVEMENTS. 


During  the  period  immediately  succeeding  the  termina- 
tion of  the  revolutionary  war,  no  very  material  events 
took  place  in  Flatbush,  except  the  building  of  the  Acade- 
my, the  Church  and  the  Court  House,  all  of  which  we 
have  already  noticed.  But  presently  the  attention  of  the 
inhabitants  was  directed  to  their  side  walks  and  front  fences. 
The  first  fences  in  front  of  the  farms,  were  formed  of  stone, 
surmounted  with  earth,  on  which  were  planted  shoots  of 
primrose.  These  were  kept  properly  trimmed,  and  when 
in  full  growth  were  very  handsome.  Lining  the  village, 
almost  entirely  on  both  sides,  they  presented  a  very  pictu- 
resque appearance.  This  was  the  case  about  seventy  or 
eighty  years  ago,  and  had  been  so,  for  probably  a  century 
before.  But  from  some  cause,  either  the  severity  of  the 
winter  weather,  or  the  ravages  of  an  insect,  these  prims 
all  died  in  one  season.  Some  then  took  down  the  stone 
foot  and  substituted  ordinary  posts  and  rails.  This  how- 
ever,  had  but  an  unsightly  aspect.  Picket  fences  were 
then  resorted  to.  In  front  of  two  farms  these  had  been  put 
up  previously  to  the  war,  viz  :  by  Colonel  Axtell  and  Mr. 
David  Clark  son.  One  after  another  of  the  inhabitants 
substituted  these  in  the  place  of  the  old  stone  fence,  or  the 
posts  and  rails  which  had  been  used.  And  now  there  is 
one  continued  picket  or  panel  fence  on  both  sides  of  the 

15* 


174 

village  from  one  end  to  the  other.     The  last  link  in  this 
chain  was  completed  some  four  or  five  years  ago. 

Locust  trees  were  formerly  planted  on  the  side  walks 
of  the  village.  Some  of  these,  perhaps  seventy-five  or 
one  hundred  year  of  age,  were  standing  not  many  years 
since.  The  last  of  them  stood  in  front  of  the  premises  oc- 
cupied by  Dr.  Vanderveer,  and  Mr.  John  C.  Bergen,  and 
were  removed  when  these  gentlemen  regulated  and  form- 
ed their  side  walks.  Some  few  of  the  more  modern  of 
these  locust  trees  are  still  standing  before  the  property 
now  in  the  possession  of  the  widow  Gertrude  Stryker,  on 
the  walk  of  Matthew  Clarkson,  Esq.  and  in  front  of  the 
house  belonging  to  the  heirs  of  Cornelius  Antonides.  As 
these  trees  decayed,  which  occurred  between  thirty  and 
forty  years  ago,  they  were  succeeded  by  the  Lombardy 
poplar.  Quite  a  spirit  existed  in  the  place  in  favor  of  this 
tree.  They  were  planted  in  great  numbers,  on  either 
side  of  the  road,  and  when  they  had  attained  their  full 
growth,  they  presented  certainly  a  very  beautiful  appear- 
ance. It  was  at  this  time,  about  the  year  1815,  that  the 
author  first  knew  the  village.  These  trees,  on  either 
side,  gave  it  the  aspect  of  a  spacious  avenue,  or  a  beauti- 
ful vista,  indicative  of  the  comfort,  peace  and  prosperity 
which  generally  reigned  within  the  village.  It  was  soon 
found,  however,  that  these  trees  were  infested  with  a 
loathesome  worm,  that  they  gave  but  little  shade,  and 
'were  not  durable.  The  proprietors  generally,  removed 
them,  and  none  are  now  left  standing,  except  in  front  of 
the  dwelling  of  L.  L.  Van  Kleeck,  Esq.  Some  planted  lo- 
cust trees  again  in  the  place  of  these  poplars.  But  these 
were  found  to  be  attacked  with  worms,  and  not  to  grow 
with  rapidity,  or  beauty.  Since  this  a  great  variety  of  or- 
namental forest  trees  have  been  set  out,  which  we  need  not 


175 

enumerate.  In  this  connection,  we  must  speak  of  four  ve- 
nerable trees,  three  of  which  are  still  in  existence.  These 
were  English  Lindens.  One  of  them  is  now  standing  in 
front  of  Mrs.  Catin's,  another  on  the  corner  of  Dr.  Zabris- 
kie's,  and  the  third,  on  the  opposite  corner,  in  front  of  the 
house  of  Mr.  Michael  Neefus.  These  were  planted  very 
many  years  ago.  The  two  last  particularly,  affording  a 
fine  shade,  were  often  resorted  to  by  the  neighbors,  in  the 
summer  season.  Many  a  social  pipe,  and  happy  hour 
have  been  enjoyed  under  them.  The  fourth  of  these  vene- 
rable trees,  stood  in  front  of  the  house  which  was  taken 
down  to  make  room  for  the  present  dwelling  of  Judge 
John  A.  Lott.  This  tree  was  very  large,  and  very  highly 
])nzed.  About  the  period  of  the  American  Revolution,  a 
limb  of  this  tree,  from  some  cause,  became  broken,  and 
Colonel  Matthews,  the  Mayor  of  the  City  of  New- York, 
who  then  lived  on  the  premises,  had  it  leaded  up,  and  it 
grew  again.  But  after  a  while  it  was  split  again  by  the 
wind.  And  he  actually  sent  to  New- York  for  riggers, 
who  bound  it  up  with  ropes,  and  so  preserved  it.  On  one 
occasion  the  court  of  the  county  sat  under  this  tree.  It 
was  in  consequence  of  the  targe  number  of  persons  attend- 
ing, wlio  could  not  be  accommodated  in  the  court  house. 
The  regulating  of  the  side  M'alks  in  the  village  was 
commenced  about  fifteen  years  ago,  by  M.  Clarkson,  Esq. 
At  a  very  considerable  expense  he  levelled  and  gravelled 
his  walk,  and  put  up  a  railing  in  front.  Small  pieces  of 
railing  before  a  few  doors  had  been  made  previously,  but 
none  extended  in  front  of  the  whole  premises.  The  be- 
nefit and  the  beauty  of  this  improvement  were  soon  seen, 
and  several  others  followed  the  example,  so  that  now  we 
have  a  regulated  walk  through  the  greater  part  of  the  vil- 
lage, and  a  railing  or  chain  in  many  cases  in  addition. 


176 

Soon  after  the  close  of  the  war  of  the  American  Revolu- 
tion several  new  houses  were  put  up,  some  in  the  place  of 
those  that  had  been  burnt,  and  some  on  the  sites  of  other 
old  dwellings,  which  were  pulled  down.  Within  the  last 
few  years,  several  beautiful  and  spacious  dwellings  have 
been  erected,  and  nearly  all  the  houses  which  were  stand- 
ing during  the  Revolutionary  war  are  removed.  We 
have  not  space  to  specify  all  these  buildings,  which  com- 
bine the  elegance  and  conveniences  of  modern  improve- 
ment. David  Johnson,  Esq.  erected  the  first,  about  fif- 
teen  years  since,  when  he  moved  to  the  village,  and  put 
up  the  noble  edifice  in  which  he  resides.  Matthew  Clark- 
son,  Esq.  a  few  years  afterwards  built  the  magnificent 
mansion  which  now  adorns  his  property,  and  in  which  he  ^ 
lives.  The  old  wretched  building  formerly  owned  by  Mr. 
Van  Courtlandt  has  been  succeeded  by  the  two  beautiful 
houses  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Prince  and  Mr.  Crommelin. 
The  very  ancient  house  of  Leffert  Martense,  has  given 
place  to  the  stately  edifice  of  Judge  G.  L.  Martense.  In- 
stead of  the  small  uncouth  dwelling  which  formerly  stood 
upon  the  very  edge  of  the  road,  we  have  the  spacious 
house  now  inhabited  by  Mr.  Seymour,  with  its  Grecian 
front,  and  the  comfortable  dwelling  in  which  Mr.  St.  John 
resides.  The  old  brick  structure  belonging  to  the  Stryker 
family,  which  but  a  few  years  ago,  stood  near  the  corner, 
venerable  for  its  age,  and  bearing  upon  its  front,  the  figures 
1696,  has  been  removed,  to  make  room  for  the  modest,  but 
neat  cottage  of  Mrs.  Gertrude  Stryker.  The  long  gloomy 
looking,  but  time  honored  house  of  Barent  Van  Deventer, 
has  given  place  to  the  commodious  edifice  of  Judge  John 
A.  Lott.  In  the  room  of  the  unsightly  and  delapidated  hovel 
of  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Deventer,  with  its  large  duck  pond,  and 
falling  fences,  we  have  Vernon  avenue,  and  the  nice  and 


177 

tasty  building  in  which  Mr.  Beekman  resides.  The  old  house 
of  Hendrick  Vanderveer,  has  been  succeeded  by  the  hand- 
some, well  finished  and  convenient  dwelling  of  Mr.  Sam- 
uel G.  Lott.  And  though  the  last,  not  the  least,  in  the 
north  of  the  village,  Mr.  Willink  has  erected  the  splendid 
mansion,  into  which  he  has  recently  removed,  together  with 
its  beautiful  barn  and  stables,  surmounted  with  a  cupalo, 
all  of  which,  he  has  enclosed  with  a  costly  panel  fence. 
In  addition  to  these,  to  some  other  houses  Grecian  fronts 
have  been  added,  and  various  improvements  made,  which 
give  to  the  whole  village  an  air  of  beauty,  pleasantness, 
richness  and  comfort,  which  are  surpassed  by  but  few 
others.  A  distinguished  gentleman  of  Pittsburgh,  Penn- 
sylvania,* on  his  first  visit  to  the  place,  called  it  a  village 
of  palaces.  Besides  these  more  conspicuous  houses,  ma- 
ny more  have  been  put  up  in  various  parts  of  the  village, 
some  of  which  too,  are  beautiful  and  neat.  Quite  a  con- 
siderable settlement  has  grown  up,  a  little  east  of  the  Aca- 
demy, and  also  one  in  the  north  of  the  village,  on  which 
spots  a  few  years  ago,  not  a  house  was  to  be  seen.  Indeed 
within  the  past  twelve  or  fifteen  years,  more  than  sixty 
new  buildings  have  been  put  up,  besides  those  which  have 
been  erected  in  the  place  of  old  ones,  which  have  been  re- 
moved. 

It  no  doubt  will  appear  strange  to  some,  that  a  village 
so  contiguous  to  the  great  emporium  of  our  country,  and 
combining  the  advantages  of  health  and  means  of  educa- 
tion, with  the  absence  of  many  temptations  to  the  young 
should  not  have  grown  with  more  rapidity.  But  the  rea- 
son is  to  be  found  in  the  fact  that  until  within  a  very  few 
years,  not  a  building  lot  could  be  purchased  in  the  town. 

*  Hon.  Robert  C.  Grier. 


178 


The  owners  of  property,  living  in  comfort,  and  gradually 
adding  to  their  estates,  felt  no  inducement  to  part  with  their 
lands.  But  of  late,  some  few  farms  have  been  purchased, 
and  Flatbush  property  is  now  in  the  market.  Had  the 
village  been  laid  out  regularly  in  streets  and  building  lots, 
some  thirty  or  forty  years  ago,  it  would  we  have  no  doubt 
by  this  time  have  rivalled  some  of  our  largest  inland 
towns.  But  notwithstanding  the  present  aspect  of  neat- 
ness and  comfort,  which  it  presents,  it  is  susceptible  of  still 
greater  improvements.  These  we  trust,  will  in  due  time, 
be  made,  and  the  village  become,  what  it  is  capable  of  be- 
ing made,  the  pride  and  beauty  of  Long-Island. 

We  had  intended  to  give  some  account  of  the  genealo- 
gy of  most  of  the  older  families  of  Flatbush.  Materials 
to  a  very  considerable  extent  have  been  collected  with 
this  view,  but  as  they  are  not  sufficiently  full,  especially 
in  regard  to  some  families,  we  deem  it  proper  to  waive  this 
part  of  our  subject. 

From  a  review  of  the  history  of  their  little  home  which 
we  have  taken,  truly  the  inhabitants  of  Flatbush  have 
abundant  cause  to  admire  the  goodness  of  that  God  who  in 
his  benign  providence  has  smiled  so  graciously  and  so  con- 
stantly   upon   them.      Their   cup   has   overflowed   with 
blessings,  and  still  the  same  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  crown- 
ing their  families  with  peace.     With  adoring  gratitude  let 
us  lift  up  our  hearts  to  his  throne  and  with  fulness  of  love 
to  him  let  us  show  the  fervor  of  our  thankfulness  by  lives 
devoted  to  his  glory.  Committing  to  his  guardian  care,  the 
interests  of  our  village,  and  praying  his  blessings  to  rest 
upon  it,  let  us  aim  to  make  it  as  eminent  for  morality,  for 
intelligence,   for  pure  religion,  as  it  is   now  for  health, 
beauty  and  temporal  prosperity. 


POSTSCRIPT. 

Since  the  foregoing  was  in  type,  we  have  met  with  the 
following  obituary  notice  of  the  Rev.  Johannes  Theodo- 
rus  Polhemus,  the  first  pastor  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Churches  of  Flatbush,  Brooklyn  and  Flatlands.  It  is 
extracted  from  the  records  of  the  Church  of  Brooklyn. 

"  It  has  pleased  the  Almighty  God,  to  remove  from  this 
world  of  care  and  trouble,  our  worthy  and  beloved  pastor, 
Johannes  Polhemus,  to  the  abode  of  peace  and  happiness 
in  his  heavenly  kingdom  :  by  which,  our  Church  is  de- 
prived of  his  pious  instructions,  godly  example  and  evan- 
gelical ministrations,  particularly  in  the  administration 
of  the  holy  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper." 


4 


